Multi-stage power supply signal conditioning

ABSTRACT

A power supply signal conditioning system includes a power supply, one or more loads, and a drive-sense circuit (DSC). The power supply is operably coupled to one or more loads. When enabled, the power supply configured to output a power supply signal having a DC (direct current) voltage component and a ripple voltage component that is based on conversion of an AC (alternating current) signal in accordance with generating the power supply signal. The DSC is operably coupled to the power supply. When enabled, the DSC is configured simultaneously to sense the power supply signal and, based on sensing of the power supply signal, adaptively to process the power supply signal in accordance with reducing or eliminating the ripple voltage component of the power supply signal to generate a conditioned power supply signal to service the one or more loads.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS

The present U.S. Utility patent application claims priority pursuant to35 U.S.C. § 120 as a continuation of U.S. Utility application Ser. No.17/215,225, entitled “Power supply signal conditioning system based ondrive-sense circuit (DSC) processing,” filed Mar. 29, 2021, which claimspriority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 120 as a continuation of U.S. Utilityapplication Ser. No. 16/239,841, entitled “Power supply signalconditioning system based on drive-sense circuit (DSC) processing,”filed Jan. 4, 2019, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,996,728 on May 4,2021, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety and made part of the present U.S. Utility patent applicationfor all purposes.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to systems including one or more powersupplies and more particularly to signal conditioning, sensing,monitoring, and management of such systems that include one or morepower supplies.

Description of Related Art

Sensors are used in a wide variety of applications ranging from in-homeautomation, to industrial systems, to health care, to transportation,and so on. For example, sensors are placed in bodies, automobiles,airplanes, boats, ships, trucks, motorcycles, cell phones, televisions,touch-screens, industrial plants, appliances, motors, checkout counters,etc. for the variety of applications.

In general, a sensor converts a physical quantity into an electrical oroptical signal. For example, a sensor converts a physical phenomenon,such as a biological condition, a chemical condition, an electriccondition, an electromagnetic condition, a temperature, a magneticcondition, mechanical motion (position, velocity, acceleration, force,pressure), an optical condition, and/or a radioactivity condition, intoan electrical signal.

A sensor includes a transducer, which functions to convert one form ofenergy (e.g., force) into another form of energy (e.g., electricalsignal). There are a variety of transducers to support the variousapplications of sensors. For example, a transducer is capacitor, apiezoelectric transducer, a piezoresistive transducer, a thermaltransducer, a thermal-couple, a photoconductive transducer such as aphotoresistor, a photodiode, and/or phototransistor.

A sensor circuit is coupled to a sensor to provide the sensor with powerand to receive the signal representing the physical phenomenon from thesensor. The sensor circuit includes at least three electricalconnections to the sensor: one for a power supply; another for a commonvoltage reference (e.g., ground); and a third for receiving the signalrepresenting the physical phenomenon. The signal representing thephysical phenomenon will vary from the power supply voltage to ground asthe physical phenomenon changes from one extreme to another (for therange of sensing the physical phenomenon).

The sensor circuits provide the received sensor signals to one or morecomputing devices for processing. A computing device is known tocommunicate data, process data, and/or store data. The computing devicemay be a cellular phone, a laptop, a tablet, a personal computer (PC), awork station, a video game device, a server, and/or a data center thatsupport millions of web searches, stock trades, or on-line purchasesevery hour.

The computing device processes the sensor signals for a variety ofapplications. For example, the computing device processes sensor signalsto determine temperatures of a variety of items in a refrigerated truckduring transit. As another example, the computing device processes thesensor signals to determine a touch on a touch screen. As yet anotherexample, the computing device processes the sensor signals to determinevarious data points in a production line of a product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a communicationsystem in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a computingdevice in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a computingdevice in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a computingdevice in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a schematic plot diagram of a computing subsystem inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of acomputing subsystem in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5C is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of acomputing subsystem in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5D is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of acomputing subsystem in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5E is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of acomputing subsystem in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a drive center circuit inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a drivesense circuit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an example of a power signal graph in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is an example of a sensor graph in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of another example of a power signalgraph in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of another example of a powersignal graph in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of another example of a powersignal graph in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11A is a schematic block diagram of another example of a powersignal graph in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a power signalchange detection circuit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of adrive-sense circuit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14A is a schematic block diagram of examples of power signals inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14B is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of AC-DCconversion circuitry and associated DC output signals in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of other examples of power signalsin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram of other examples of power signalsin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 17A is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of AC-DCconversion circuitry that includes a drive-sense circuit (DSC) inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 17B is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an outputstage of the AC-DC conversion circuitry of FIG. 17A in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 17C is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an outputstage of the AC-DC conversion circuitry of FIG. 17A in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 18A is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a half-waverectifier with capacitor (C) filter in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 18B is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a full-wavebridge rectifier with capacitor (C) filter in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a switched modepower supply implemented using a full-wave bridge in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 20 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a switched modepower supply implemented using a half-wave bridge in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 21A is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a DSCconfigured simultaneously to drive and sense a power signal inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 21B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a DSCconfigured simultaneously to drive and sense a power signal inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 22A is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a DSCconfigured simultaneously to drive and sense a power signal inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 22B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a DSCconfigured simultaneously to drive and sense a power signal inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a DSCconfigured to perform power supply signal conditioning in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a DSCconfigured to perform power supply signal conditioning in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 25A is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a method forexecution by one or more devices in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 25B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a methodfor execution by one or more devices in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 26A is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of power supplyadaptation using a DSC in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 26B is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of power supplyadaptation using DSCs in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 27A is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powersupply adaptation using a DSC in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 27B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powersupply adaptation using DSCs in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 28A is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powersupply adaptation using a DSC in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 28B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powersupply adaptation using DSCs in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 29A is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powersupply adaptation using DSCs in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 29B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powersupply adaptation using DSCs in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 30A is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powersupply adaptation using a DSC in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 30B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powersupply adaptation using a DSC in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powersupply adaptation using a DSC in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powersupply adaptation using a DSC in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a methodfor execution by one or more devices in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 34A is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of multi-stagepower supply signal conditioning using DSCs in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 34B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment ofmulti-stage power supply signal conditioning using DSCs in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment ofmulti-stage power supply signal conditioning using DSCs in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a methodfor execution by one or more devices in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 37A is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a cascaded DSCand load network in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 37B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of acascaded DSC and load network in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 38 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a cascadedDSC and load network in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 39 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of load profilemonitoring in accordance with system management of a cascaded DSC andload network in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 40 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of load monitoringin accordance with system management of a cascaded DSC and load networkin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 41A is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a methodfor execution by one or more devices in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 41B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a methodfor execution by one or more devices in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 42 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a methodfor execution by one or more devices in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 43 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a variablepower supply and load system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a variablepower supply and load system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 45 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a variablepower supply and load system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 46 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a variablepower supply and load system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 47 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a methodfor execution by one or more devices in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 48 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a multi-voltagepower supply with shared regulation loop in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 49 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of amulti-voltage power supply with shared regulation loop in accordancewith the present invention; and

FIG. 50 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a methodfor execution by one or more devices in accordance with the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a communicationsystem 10 that includes a plurality of computing. devices 12-10, one ormore servers 22, one or more databases 24, one or more networks 26, aplurality of drive-sense circuits 28, a plurality of sensors 30, and aplurality of actuators 32. Computing devices 14 include a touch screen16 with sensors and drive-sensor circuits and computing devices 18include a touch & tactic screen 20 that includes sensors, actuators, anddrive-sense circuits.

A sensor 30 functions to convert a physical input into an electricaloutput and/or an optical output. The physical input of a sensor may beone of a variety of physical input conditions. For example, the physicalcondition includes one or more of, but is not limited to, acoustic waves(e.g., amplitude, phase, polarization, spectrum, and/or wave velocity);a biological and/or chemical condition (e.g., fluid concentration,level, composition, etc.); an electric condition (e.g., charge, voltage,current, conductivity, permittivity, eclectic field, which includesamplitude, phase, and/or polarization); a magnetic condition (e.g.,flux, permeability, magnetic field, which amplitude, phase, and/orpolarization); an optical condition (e.g., refractive index,reflectivity, absorption, etc.); a thermal condition (e.g., temperature,flux, specific heat, thermal conductivity, etc.); and a mechanicalcondition (e.g., position, velocity, acceleration, force, strain,stress, pressure, torque, etc.). For example, piezoelectric sensorconverts force or pressure into an eclectic signal. As another example,a microphone converts audible acoustic waves into electrical signals.

There are a variety of types of sensors to sense the various types ofphysical conditions. Sensor types include, but are not limited to,capacitor sensors, inductive sensors, accelerometers, piezoelectricsensors, light sensors, magnetic field sensors, ultrasonic sensors,temperature sensors, infrared (IR) sensors, touch sensors, proximitysensors, pressure sensors, level sensors, smoke sensors, and gassensors. In many ways, sensors function as the interface between thephysical world and the digital world by converting real world conditionsinto digital signals that are then processed by computing devices for avast number of applications including, but not limited to, medicalapplications, production automation applications, home environmentcontrol, public safety, and so on.

The various types of sensors have a variety of sensor characteristicsthat are factors in providing power to the sensors, receiving signalsfrom the sensors, and/or interpreting the signals from the sensors. Thesensor characteristics include resistance, reactance, powerrequirements, sensitivity, range, stability, repeatability, linearity,error, response time, and/or frequency response. For example, theresistance, reactance, and/or power requirements are factors indetermining drive circuit requirements. As another example, sensitivity,stability, and/or linear are factors for interpreting the measure of thephysical condition based on the received electrical and/or opticalsignal (e.g., measure of temperature, pressure, etc.).

An actuator 32 converts an electrical input into a physical output. Thephysical output of an actuator may be one of a variety of physicaloutput conditions. For example, the physical output condition includesone or more of, but is not limited to, acoustic waves (e.g., amplitude,phase, polarization, spectrum, and/or wave velocity); a magneticcondition (e.g., flux, permeability, magnetic field, which amplitude,phase, and/or polarization); a thermal condition (e.g., temperature,flux, specific heat, thermal conductivity, etc.); and a mechanicalcondition (e.g., position, velocity, acceleration, force, strain,stress, pressure, torque, etc.). As an example, a piezoelectric actuatorconverts voltage into force or pressure. As another example, a speakerconverts electrical signals into audible acoustic waves.

An actuator 32 may be one of a variety of actuators. For example, anactuator 32 is one of a comb drive, a digital micro-mirror device, anelectric motor, an electroactive polymer, a hydraulic cylinder, apiezoelectric actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a screw jack, aservomechanism, a solenoid, a stepper motor, a shape-memory allow, athermal bimorph, and a hydraulic actuator.

The various types of actuators have a variety of actuatorscharacteristics that are factors in providing power to the actuator andsending signals to the actuators for desired performance. The actuatorcharacteristics include resistance, reactance, power requirements,sensitivity, range, stability, repeatability, linearity, error, responsetime, and/or frequency response. For example, the resistance, reactance,and power requirements are factors in determining drive circuitrequirements. As another example, sensitivity, stability, and/or linearare factors for generating the signaling to send to the actuator toobtain the desired physical output condition.

The computing devices 12, 14, and 18 may each be a portable computingdevice and/or a fixed computing device. A portable computing device maybe a social networking device, a gaming device, a cell phone, a smartphone, a digital assistant, a digital music player, a digital videoplayer, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a tablet, a video gamecontroller, and/or any other portable device that includes a computingcore. A fixed computing device may be a computer (PC), a computerserver, a cable set-top box, a satellite receiver, a television set, aprinter, a fax machine, home entertainment equipment, a video gameconsole, and/or any type of home or office computing equipment. Thecomputing devices 12, 14, and 18 will be discussed in greater detailwith reference to one or more of FIGS. 2-4.

A server 22 is a special type of computing device that is optimized forprocessing large amounts of data requests in parallel. A server 22includes similar components to that of the computing devices 12, 14,and/or 18 with more robust processing modules, more main memory, and/ormore hard drive memory (e.g., solid state, hard drives, etc.). Further,a server 22 is typically accessed remotely; as such it does notgenerally include user input devices and/or user output devices. Inaddition, a server may be a standalone separate computing device and/ormay be a cloud computing device.

A database 24 is a special type of computing device that is optimizedfor large scale data storage and retrieval. A database 24 includessimilar components to that of the computing devices 12, 14, and/or 18with more hard drive memory (e.g., solid state, hard drives, etc.) andpotentially with more processing modules and/or main memory. Further, adatabase 24 is typically accessed remotely; as such it does notgenerally include user input devices and/or user output devices. Inaddition, a database 24 may be a standalone separate computing deviceand/or may be a cloud computing device.

The network 26 includes one more local area networks (LAN) and/or one ormore wide area networks WAN), which may be a public network and/or aprivate network. A LAN may be a wireless-LAN (e.g., Wi-Fi access point,Bluetooth, ZigBee, etc.) and/or a wired network (e.g., Firewire,Ethernet, etc.). A WAN may be a wired and/or wireless WAN. For example,a LAN may be a personal home or business's wireless network and a WAN isthe Internet, cellular telephone infrastructure, and/or satellitecommunication infrastructure.

In an example of operation, computing device 12-1 communicates with aplurality of drive-sense circuits 28, which, in turn, communicate with aplurality of sensors 30. The sensors 30 and/or the drive-sense circuits28 are within the computing device 12-1 and/or external to it. Forexample, the sensors 30 may be external to the computing device 12-1 andthe drive-sense circuits are within the computing device 12-1. Asanother example, both the sensors 30 and the drive-sense circuits 28 areexternal to the computing device 12-1. When the drive-sense circuits 28are external to the computing device, they are coupled to the computingdevice 12-1 via wired and/or wireless communication links as will bediscussed in greater detail with reference to one or more of FIGS.5A-5C.

The computing device 12-1 communicates with the drive-sense circuits 28to; (a) turn them on, (b) obtain data from the sensors (individuallyand/or collectively), (c) instruct the drive sense circuit on how tocommunicate the sensed data to the computing device 12-1, (d) providesignaling attributes (e.g., DC level, AC level, frequency, power level,regulated current signal, regulated voltage signal, regulation of animpedance, frequency patterns for various sensors, different frequenciesfor different sensing applications, etc.) to use with the sensors,and/or (e) provide other commands and/or instructions.

As a specific example, the sensors 30 are distributed along a pipelineto measure flow rate and/or pressure within a section of the pipeline.The drive-sense circuits 28 have their own power source (e.g., battery,power supply, etc.) and are proximally located to their respectivesensors 30. At desired time intervals (milliseconds, seconds, minutes,hours, etc.), the drive-sense circuits 28 provide a regulated sourcesignal or a power signal to the sensors 30. An electrical characteristicof the sensor 30 affects the regulated source signal or power signal,which is reflective of the condition (e.g., the flow rate and/or thepressure) that sensor is sensing.

The drive-sense circuits 28 detect the effects on the regulated sourcesignal or power signals as a result of the electrical characteristics ofthe sensors. The drive-sense circuits 28 then generate signalsrepresentative of change to the regulated source signal or power signalbased on the detected effects on the power signals. The changes to theregulated source signals or power signals are representative of theconditions being sensed by the sensors 30.

The drive-sense circuits 28 provide the representative signals of theconditions to the computing device 12-1. A representative signal may bean analog signal or a digital signal. In either case, the computingdevice 12-1 interprets the representative signals to determine thepressure and/or flow rate at each sensor location along the pipeline.The computing device may then provide this information to the server 22,the database 24, and/or to another computing device for storing and/orfurther processing.

As another example of operation, computing device 12-2 is coupled to adrive-sense circuit 28, which is, in turn, coupled to a senor 30. Thesensor 30 and/or the drive-sense circuit 28 may be internal and/orexternal to the computing device 12-2. In this example, the sensor 30 issensing a condition that is particular to the computing device 12-2. Forexample, the sensor 30 may be a temperature sensor, an ambient lightsensor, an ambient noise sensor, etc. As described above, wheninstructed by the computing device 12-2 (which may be a default settingfor continuous sensing or at regular intervals), the drive-sense circuit28 provides the regulated source signal or power signal to the sensor 30and detects an effect to the regulated source signal or power signalbased on an electrical characteristic of the sensor. The drive-sensecircuit generates a representative signal of the affect and sends it tothe computing device 12-2.

In another example of operation, computing device 12-3 is coupled to aplurality of drive-sense circuits 28 that are coupled to a plurality ofsensors 30 and is coupled to a plurality of drive-sense circuits 28 thatare coupled to a plurality of actuators 32. The generally functionalityof the drive-sense circuits 28 coupled to the sensors 30 in accordancewith the above description.

Since an actuator 32 is essentially an inverse of a sensor in that anactuator converts an electrical signal into a physical condition, whilea sensor converts a physical condition into an electrical signal, thedrive-sense circuits 28 can be used to power actuators 32. Thus, in thisexample, the computing device 12-3 provides actuation signals to thedrive-sense circuits 28 for the actuators 32. The drive-sense circuitsmodulate the actuation signals on to power signals or regulated controlsignals, which are provided to the actuators 32. The actuators 32 arepowered from the power signals or regulated control signals and producethe desired physical condition from the modulated actuation signals.

As another example of operation, computing device 12-x is coupled to adrive-sense circuit 28 that is coupled to a sensor 30 and is coupled toa drive-sense circuit 28 that is coupled to an actuator 32. In thisexample, the sensor 30 and the actuator 32 are for use by the computingdevice 12-x. For example, the sensor 30 may be a piezoelectricmicrophone and the actuator 32 may be a piezoelectric speaker.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a computingdevice 12 (e.g., any one of 12-1 through 12-x). The computing device 12includes a core control module 40, one or more processing modules 42,one or more main memories 44, cache memory 46, a video graphicsprocessing module 48, a display 50, an Input-Output (I/O) peripheralcontrol module 52, one or more input interface modules 56, one or moreoutput interface modules 58, one or more network interface modules 60,and one or more memory interface modules 62. A processing module 42 isdescribed in greater detail at the end of the detailed description ofthe invention section and, in an alternative embodiment, has a directionconnection to the main memory 44. In an alternate embodiment, the corecontrol module 40 and the I/O and/or peripheral control module 52 areone module, such as a chipset, a quick path interconnect (QPI), and/oran ultra-path interconnect (UPI).

Each of the main memories 44 includes one or more Random Access Memory(RAM) integrated circuits, or chips. For example, a main memory 44includes four DDR4 (4^(th) generation of double data rate) RAM chips,each running at a rate of 2,400 MHz. In general, the main memory 44stores data and operational instructions most relevant for theprocessing module 42. For example, the core control module 40coordinates the transfer of data and/or operational instructions fromthe main memory 44 and the memory 64-66. The data and/or operationalinstructions retrieve from memory 64-66 are the data and/or operationalinstructions requested by the processing module or will most likely beneeded by the processing module. When the processing module is done withthe data and/or operational instructions in main memory, the corecontrol module 40 coordinates sending updated data to the memory 64-66for storage.

The memory 64-66 includes one or more hard drives, one or more solidstate memory chips, and/or one or more other large capacity storagedevices that, in comparison to cache memory and main memory devices,is/are relatively inexpensive with respect to cost per amount of datastored. The memory 64-66 is coupled to the core control module 40 viathe I/O and/or peripheral control module 52 and via one or more memoryinterface modules 62. In an embodiment, the I/O and/or peripheralcontrol module 52 includes one or more Peripheral Component Interface(PCI) buses to which peripheral components connect to the core controlmodule 40. A memory interface module 62 includes a software driver and ahardware connector for coupling a memory device to the I/O and/orperipheral control module 52. For example, a memory interface 62 is inaccordance with a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) port.

The core control module 40 coordinates data communications between theprocessing module(s) 42 and the network(s) 26 via the I/O and/orperipheral control module 52, the network interface module(s) 60, and anetwork card 68 or 70. A network card 68 or 70 includes a wirelesscommunication unit or a wired communication unit. A wirelesscommunication unit includes a wireless local area network (WLAN)communication device, a cellular communication device, a Bluetoothdevice, and/or a ZigBee communication device. A wired communication unitincludes a Gigabit LAN connection, a Firewire connection, and/or aproprietary computer wired connection. A network interface module 60includes a software driver and a hardware connector for coupling thenetwork card to the I/O and/or peripheral control module 52. Forexample, the network interface module 60 is in accordance with one ormore versions of IEEE 802.11, cellular telephone protocols, 10/100/1000Gigabit LAN protocols, etc.

The core control module 40 coordinates data communications between theprocessing module(s) 42 and input device(s) 72 via the input interfacemodule(s) 56 and the I/O and/or peripheral control module 52. An inputdevice 72 includes a keypad, a keyboard, control switches, a touchpad, amicrophone, a camera, etc. An input interface module 56 includes asoftware driver and a hardware connector for coupling an input device tothe I/O and/or peripheral control module 52. In an embodiment, an inputinterface module 56 is in accordance with one or more Universal SerialBus (USB) protocols.

The core control module 40 coordinates data communications between theprocessing module(s) 42 and output device(s) 74 via the output interfacemodule(s) 58 and the I/O and/or peripheral control module 52. An outputdevice 74 includes a speaker, etc. An output interface module 58includes a software driver and a hardware connector for coupling anoutput device to the I/O and/or peripheral control module 52. In anembodiment, an output interface module 56 is in accordance with one ormore audio codec protocols.

The processing module 42 communicates directly with a video graphicsprocessing module 48 to display data on the display 50. The display 50includes an LED (light emitting diode) display, an LCD (liquid crystaldisplay), and/or other type of display technology. The display has aresolution, an aspect ratio, and other features that affect the qualityof the display. The video graphics processing module 48 receives datafrom the processing module 42, processes the data to produce rendereddata in accordance with the characteristics of the display, and providesthe rendered data to the display 50.

FIG. 2 further illustrates sensors 30 and actuators 32 coupled todrive-sense circuits 28, which are coupled to the input interface module56 (e.g., USB port). Alternatively, one or more of the drive-sensecircuits 28 is coupled to the computing device via a wireless networkcard (e.g., WLAN) or a wired network card (e.g., Gigabit LAN). While notshown, the computing device 12 further includes a BIOS (Basic InputOutput System) memory coupled to the core control module 40.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a computingdevice 14 that includes a core control module 40, one or more processingmodules 42, one or more main memories 44, cache memory 46, a videographics processing module 48, a touch screen 16, an Input-Output (I/O)peripheral control module 52, one or more input interface modules 56,one or more output interface modules 58, one or more network interfacemodules 60, and one or more memory interface modules 62. The touchscreen 16 includes a touch screen display 80, a plurality of sensors 30,a plurality of drive-sense circuits (DSC), and a touch screen processingmodule 82.

Computing device 14 operates similarly to computing device 12 of FIG. 2with the addition of a touch screen as an input device. The touch screenincludes a plurality of sensors (e.g., electrodes, capacitor sensingcells, capacitor sensors, inductive sensor, etc.) to detect a proximaltouch of the screen. For example, when one or more fingers touches thescreen, capacitance of sensors proximal to the touch(es) are affected(e.g., impedance changes). The drive-sense circuits (DSC) coupled to theaffected sensors detect the change and provide a representation of thechange to the touch screen processing module 82, which may be a separateprocessing module or integrated into the processing module 42.

The touch screen processing module 82 processes the representativesignals from the drive-sense circuits (DSC) to determine the location ofthe touch(es). This information is inputted to the processing module 42for processing as an input. For example, a touch represents a selectionof a button on screen, a scroll function, a zoom in-out function, etc.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a computingdevice 18 that includes a core control module 40, one or more processingmodules 42, one or more main memories 44, cache memory 46, a videographics processing module 48, a touch and tactile screen 20, anInput-Output (I/O) peripheral control module 52, one or more inputinterface modules 56, one or more output interface modules 58, one ormore network interface modules 60, and one or more memory interfacemodules 62. The touch and tactile screen 20 includes a touch and tactilescreen display 90, a plurality of sensors 30, a plurality of actuators32, a plurality of drive-sense circuits (DSC), a touch screen processingmodule 82, and a tactile screen processing module 92.

Computing device 18 operates similarly to computing device 14 of FIG. 3with the addition of a tactile aspect to the screen 20 as an outputdevice. The tactile portion of the screen 20 includes the plurality ofactuators (e.g., piezoelectric transducers to create vibrations,solenoids to create movement, etc.) to provide a tactile feel to thescreen 20. To do so, the processing module creates tactile data, whichis provided to the appropriate drive-sense circuits (DSC) via thetactile screen processing module 92, which may be a stand-aloneprocessing module or integrated into processing module 42. Thedrive-sense circuits (DSC) convert the tactile data into drive-actuatesignals and provide them to the appropriate actuators to create thedesired tactile feel on the screen 20.

FIG. 5A is a schematic plot diagram of a computing subsystem 25 thatincludes a sensed data processing module 65, a plurality ofcommunication modules 61A-x, a plurality of processing modules 42A-x, aplurality of drive sense circuits 28, and a plurality of sensors 1-x,which may be sensors 30 of FIG. 1. The sensed data processing module 65is one or more processing modules within one or more servers 22 and/orone more processing modules in one or more computing devices that aredifferent than the computing devices in which processing modules 42A—xreside.

A drive-sense circuit 28 (or multiple drive-sense circuits), aprocessing module (e.g., 41A), and a communication module (e.g., 61A)are within a common computing device. Each grouping of a drive-sensecircuit(s), processing module, and communication module is in a separatecomputing device. A communication module 61A-x is constructed inaccordance with one or more wired communication protocol and/or one ormore wireless communication protocols that is/are in accordance with theone or more of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model, theTransmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) model, andother communication protocol module.

In an example of operation, a processing module (e.g., 42A) provides acontrol signal to its corresponding drive-sense circuit 28. Theprocessing module 42 A may generate the control signal, receive it fromthe sensed data processing module 65, or receive an indication from thesensed data processing module 65 to generate the control signal. Thecontrol signal enables the drive-sense circuit 28 to provide a drivesignal to its corresponding sensor. The control signal may furtherinclude a reference signal having one or more frequency components tofacilitate creation of the drive signal and/or interpreting a sensedsignal received from the sensor.

Based on the control signal, the drive-sense circuit 28 provides thedrive signal to its corresponding sensor (e.g., 1) on a drive & senseline. While receiving the drive signal (e.g., a power signal, aregulated source signal, etc.), the sensor senses a physical condition1-x (e.g., acoustic waves, a biological condition, a chemical condition,an electric condition, a magnetic condition, an optical condition, athermal condition, and/or a mechanical condition). As a result of thephysical condition, an electrical characteristic (e.g., impedance,voltage, current, capacitance, inductance, resistance, reactance, etc.)of the sensor changes, which affects the drive signal. Note that if thesensor is an optical sensor, it converts a sensed optical condition intoan electrical characteristic.

The drive-sense circuit 28 detects the effect on the drive signal viathe drive & sense line and processes the affect to produce a signalrepresentative of power change, which may be an analog or digitalsignal. The processing module 42A receives the signal representative ofpower change, interprets it, and generates a value representing thesensed physical condition. For example, if the sensor is sensingpressure, the value representing the sensed physical condition is ameasure of pressure (e.g., x PSI (pounds per square inch)).

In accordance with a sensed data process function (e.g., algorithm,application, etc.), the sensed data processing module 65 gathers thevalues representing the sensed physical conditions from the processingmodules. Since the sensors 1-x may be the same type of sensor (e.g., apressure sensor), may each be different sensors, or a combinationthereof; the sensed physical conditions may be the same, may each bedifferent, or a combination thereof. The sensed data processing module65 processes the gathered values to produce one or more desired results.For example, if the computing subsystem 25 is monitoring pressure alonga pipeline, the processing of the gathered values indicates that thepressures are all within normal limits or that one or more of the sensedpressures is not within normal limits.

As another example, if the computing subsystem 25 is used in amanufacturing facility, the sensors are sensing a variety of physicalconditions, such as acoustic waves (e.g., for sound proofing, soundgeneration, ultrasound monitoring, etc.), a biological condition (e.g.,a bacterial contamination, etc.) a chemical condition (e.g.,composition, gas concentration, etc.), an electric condition (e.g.,current levels, voltage levels, electro-magnetic interference, etc.), amagnetic condition (e.g., induced current, magnetic field strength,magnetic field orientation, etc.), an optical condition (e.g., ambientlight, infrared, etc.), a thermal condition (e.g., temperature, etc.),and/or a mechanical condition (e.g., physical position, force, pressure,acceleration, etc.).

The computing subsystem 25 may further include one or more actuators inplace of one or more of the sensors and/or in addition to the sensors.When the computing subsystem 25 includes an actuator, the correspondingprocessing module provides an actuation control signal to thecorresponding drive-sense circuit 28. The actuation control signalenables the drive-sense circuit 28 to provide a drive signal to theactuator via a drive & actuate line (e.g., similar to the drive & senseline, but for the actuator). The drive signal includes one or morefrequency components and/or amplitude components to facilitate a desiredactuation of the actuator.

In addition, the computing subsystem 25 may include an actuator andsensor working in concert. For example, the sensor is sensing thephysical condition of the actuator. In this example, a drive-sensecircuit provides a drive signal to the actuator and another drive sensesignal provides the same drive signal, or a scaled version of it, to thesensor. This allows the sensor to provide near immediate and continuoussensing of the actuator's physical condition. This further allows forthe sensor to operate at a first frequency and the actuator to operateat a second frequency.

In an embodiment, the computing subsystem is a stand-alone system for awide variety of applications (e.g., manufacturing, pipelines, testing,monitoring, security, etc.). In another embodiment, the computingsubsystem 25 is one subsystem of a plurality of subsystems forming alarger system. For example, different subsystems are employed based ongeographic location. As a specific example, the computing subsystem 25is deployed in one section of a factory and another computing subsystemis deployed in another part of the factory. As another example,different subsystems are employed based function of the subsystems. As aspecific example, one subsystem monitors a city's traffic lightoperation and another subsystem monitors the city's sewage treatmentplants.

Regardless of the use and/or deployment of the computing system, thephysical conditions it is sensing, and/or the physical conditions it isactuating, each sensor and each actuator (if included) is driven andsensed by a single line as opposed to separate drive and sense lines.This provides many advantages including, but not limited to, lower powerrequirements, better ability to drive high impedance sensors, lower lineto line interference, and/or concurrent sensing functions.

FIG. 5B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of acomputing subsystem 25 that includes a sensed data processing module 65,a communication module 61, a plurality of processing modules 42A-x, aplurality of drive sense circuits 28, and a plurality of sensors 1-x,which may be sensors 30 of FIG. 1. The sensed data processing module 65is one or more processing modules within one or more servers 22 and/orone more processing modules in one or more computing devices that aredifferent than the computing device, devices, in which processingmodules 42A—x reside.

In an embodiment, the drive-sense circuits 28, the processing modules,and the communication module are within a common computing device. Forexample, the computing device includes a central processing unit thatincludes a plurality of processing modules. The functionality andoperation of the sensed data processing module 65, the communicationmodule 61, the processing modules 42A-x, the drive sense circuits 28,and the sensors 1-x are as discussed with reference to FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of acomputing subsystem 25 that includes a sensed data processing module 65,a communication module 61, a processing module 42, a plurality of drivesense circuits 28, and a plurality of sensors 1-x, which may be sensors30 of FIG. 1. The sensed data processing module 65 is one or moreprocessing modules within one or more servers 22 and/or one moreprocessing modules in one or more computing devices that are differentthan the computing device in which the processing module 42 resides.

In an embodiment, the drive-sense circuits 28, the processing module,and the communication module are within a common computing device. Thefunctionality and operation of the sensed data processing module 65, thecommunication module 61, the processing module 42, the drive sensecircuits 28, and the sensors 1-x are as discussed with reference to FIG.5A.

FIG. 5D is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of acomputing subsystem 25 that includes a processing module 42, a referencesignal circuit 100, a plurality of drive sense circuits 28, and aplurality of sensors 30. The processing module 42 includes a drive-senseprocessing block 104, a drive-sense control block 102, and a referencecontrol block 106. Each block 102-106 of the processing module 42 may beimplemented via separate modules of the processing module, may be acombination of software and hardware within the processing module,and/or may be field programmable modules within the processing module42.

In an example of operation, the drive-sense control block 104 generatesone or more control signals to activate one or more of the drive-sensecircuits 28. For example, the drive-sense control block 102 generates acontrol signal that enables of the drive-sense circuits 28 for a givenperiod of time (e.g., 1 second, 1 minute, etc.). As another example, thedrive-sense control block 102 generates control signals to sequentiallyenable the drive-sense circuits 28. As yet another example, thedrive-sense control block 102 generates a series of control signals toperiodically enable the drive-sense circuits 28 (e.g., enabled onceevery second, every minute, every hour, etc.).

Continuing with the example of operation, the reference control block106 generates a reference control signal that it provides to thereference signal circuit 100. The reference signal circuit 100generates, in accordance with the control signal, one or more referencesignals for the drive-sense circuits 28. For example, the control signalis an enable signal, which, in response, the reference signal circuit100 generates a pre-programmed reference signal that it provides to thedrive-sense circuits 28. In another example, the reference signalcircuit 100 generates a unique reference signal for each of thedrive-sense circuits 28. In yet another example, the reference signalcircuit 100 generates a first unique reference signal for each of thedrive-sense circuits 28 in a first group and generates a second uniquereference signal for each of the drive-sense circuits 28 in a secondgroup.

The reference signal circuit 100 may be implemented in a variety ofways. For example, the reference signal circuit 100 includes a DC(direct current) voltage generator, an AC voltage generator, and avoltage combining circuit. The DC voltage generator generates a DCvoltage at a first level and the AC voltage generator generates an ACvoltage at a second level, which is less than or equal to the firstlevel. The voltage combining circuit combines the DC and AC voltages toproduce the reference signal. As examples, the reference signal circuit100 generates a reference signal similar to the signals shown in FIG. 7,which will be subsequently discussed.

As another example, the reference signal circuit 100 includes a DCcurrent generator, an AC current generator, and a current combiningcircuit. The DC current generator generates a DC current a first currentlevel and the AC current generator generates an AC current at a secondcurrent level, which is less than or equal to the first current level.The current combining circuit combines the DC and AC currents to producethe reference signal.

Returning to the example of operation, the reference signal circuit 100provides the reference signal, or signals, to the drive-sense circuits28. When a drive-sense circuit 28 is enabled via a control signal fromthe drive sense control block 102, it provides a drive signal to itscorresponding sensor 30. As a result of a physical condition, anelectrical characteristic of the sensor is changed, which affects thedrive signal. Based on the detected effect on the drive signal and thereference signal, the drive-sense circuit 28 generates a signalrepresentative of the effect on the drive signal.

The drive-sense circuit provides the signal representative of the effecton the drive signal to the drive-sense processing block 104. Thedrive-sense processing block 104 processes the representative signal toproduce a sensed value 97 of the physical condition (e.g., a digitalvalue that represents a specific temperature, a specific pressure level,etc.). The processing module 42 provides the sensed value 97 to anotherapplication running on the computing device, to another computingdevice, and/or to a server 22.

FIG. 5E is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of acomputing subsystem 25 that includes a processing module 42, a pluralityof drive sense circuits 28, and a plurality of sensors 30. Thisembodiment is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 5D with thefunctionality of the drive-sense processing block 104, a drive-sensecontrol block 102, and a reference control block 106 shown in greaterdetail. For instance, the drive-sense control block 102 includesindividual enable/disable blocks 102-1 through 102-y. An enable/disableblock functions to enable or disable a corresponding drive-sense circuitin a manner as discussed above with reference to FIG. 5D.

The drive-sense processing block 104 includes variance determiningmodules 104-1 a through y and variance interpreting modules 104-2 athrough y. For example, variance determining module 104-1 a receives,from the corresponding drive-sense circuit 28, a signal representativeof a physical condition sensed by a sensor. The variance determiningmodule 104-1 a functions to determine a difference from the signalrepresenting the sensed physical condition with a signal representing aknown, or reference, physical condition. The variance interpretingmodule 104-1 b interprets the difference to determine a specific valuefor the sensed physical condition.

As a specific example, the variance determining module 104-1 a receivesa digital signal of 1001 0110 (150 in decimal) that is representative ofa sensed physical condition (e.g., temperature) sensed by a sensor fromthe corresponding drive-sense circuit 28. With 8-bits, there are 2⁸(256) possible signals representing the sensed physical condition.Assume that the units for temperature is Celsius and a digital value of0100 0000 (64 in decimal) represents the known value for 25 degreeCelsius. The variance determining module 104-b 1 determines thedifference between the digital signal representing the sensed value(e.g., 1001 0110, 150 in decimal) and the known signal value of (e.g.,0100 0000, 64 in decimal), which is 0011 0000 (86 in decimal). Thevariance determining module 104-b 1 then determines the sensed valuebased on the difference and the known value. In this example, the sensedvalue equals 25+86*(100/256)=25+33.6=58.6 degrees Celsius.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a drive center circuit 28-acoupled to a sensor 30. The drive sense-sense circuit 28 includes apower source circuit 110 and a power signal change detection circuit112. The sensor 30 includes one or more transducers that have varyingelectrical characteristics (e.g., capacitance, inductance, impedance,current, voltage, etc.) based on varying physical conditions 114 (e.g.,pressure, temperature, biological, chemical, etc.), or vice versa (e.g.,an actuator).

The power source circuit 110 is operably coupled to the sensor 30 and,when enabled (e.g., from a control signal from the processing module 42,power is applied, a switch is closed, a reference signal is received,etc.) provides a power signal 116 to the sensor 30. The power sourcecircuit 110 may be a voltage supply circuit (e.g., a battery, a linearregulator, an unregulated DC-to-DC converter, etc.) to produce avoltage-based power signal, a current supply circuit (e.g., a currentsource circuit, a current mirror circuit, etc.) to produce acurrent-based power signal, or a circuit that provide a desired powerlevel to the sensor and substantially matches impedance of the sensor.The power source circuit 110 generates the power signal 116 to include aDC (direct current) component and/or an oscillating component.

When receiving the power signal 116 and when exposed to a condition 114,an electrical characteristic of the sensor affects 118 the power signal.When the power signal change detection circuit 112 is enabled, itdetects the affect 118 on the power signal as a result of the electricalcharacteristic of the sensor. For example, the power signal is a 1.5voltage signal and, under a first condition, the sensor draws 1 milliampof current, which corresponds to an impedance of 1.5 K Ohms. Under asecond conditions, the power signal remains at 1.5 volts and the currentincreases to 1.5 milliamps. As such, from condition 1 to condition 2,the impedance of the sensor changed from 1.5 K Ohms to 1 K Ohms. Thepower signal change detection circuit 112 determines this change andgenerates a representative signal 120 of the change to the power signal.

As another example, the power signal is a 1.5 voltage signal and, undera first condition, the sensor draws 1 milliamp of current, whichcorresponds to an impedance of 1.5 K Ohms. Under a second conditions,the power signal drops to 1.3 volts and the current increases to 1.3milliamps. As such, from condition 1 to condition 2, the impedance ofthe sensor changed from 1.5 K Ohms to 1 K Ohms. The power signal changedetection circuit 112 determines this change and generates arepresentative signal 120 of the change to the power signal.

The power signal 116 includes a DC component 122 and/or an oscillatingcomponent 124 as shown in FIG. 7. The oscillating component 124 includesa sinusoidal signal, a square wave signal, a triangular wave signal, amultiple level signal (e.g., has varying magnitude over time withrespect to the DC component), and/or a polygonal signal (e.g., has asymmetrical or asymmetrical polygonal shape with respect to the DCcomponent). Note that the power signal is shown without affect from thesensor as the result of a condition or changing condition.

In an embodiment, power generating circuit 110 varies frequency of theoscillating component 124 of the power signal 116 so that it can betuned to the impedance of the sensor and/or to be off-set in frequencyfrom other power signals in a system. For example, a capacitancesensor's impedance decreases with frequency. As such, if the frequencyof the oscillating component is too high with respect to thecapacitance, the capacitor looks like a short and variances incapacitances will be missed. Similarly, if the frequency of theoscillating component is too low with respect to the capacitance, thecapacitor looks like an open and variances in capacitances will bemissed.

In an embodiment, the power generating circuit 110 varies magnitude ofthe DC component 122 and/or the oscillating component 124 to improveresolution of sensing and/or to adjust power consumption of sensing. Inaddition, the power generating circuit 110 generates the drive signal110 such that the magnitude of the oscillating component 124 is lessthan magnitude of the DC component 122.

FIG. 6A is a schematic block diagram of a drive center circuit 28-alcoupled to a sensor 30. The drive sense-sense circuit 28-al includes asignal source circuit 111, a signal change detection circuit 113, and apower source 115. The power source 115 (e.g., a battery, a power supply,a current source, etc.) generates a voltage and/or current that iscombined with a signal 117, which is produced by the signal sourcecircuit 111. The combined signal is supplied to the sensor 30.

The signal source circuit 111 may be a voltage supply circuit (e.g., abattery, a linear regulator, an unregulated DC-to-DC converter, etc.) toproduce a voltage-based signal 117, a current supply circuit (e.g., acurrent source circuit, a current mirror circuit, etc.) to produce acurrent-based signal 117, or a circuit that provide a desired powerlevel to the sensor and substantially matches impedance of the sensor.The signal source circuit 111 generates the signal 117 to include a DC(direct current) component and/or an oscillating component.

When receiving the combined signal (e.g., signal 117 and power from thepower source) and when exposed to a condition 114, an electricalcharacteristic of the sensor affects 119 the signal. When the signalchange detection circuit 113 is enabled, it detects the affect 119 onthe signal as a result of the electrical characteristic of the sensor.

FIG. 8 is an example of a sensor graph that plots an electricalcharacteristic versus a condition. The sensor has a substantially linearregion in which an incremental change in a condition produces acorresponding incremental change in the electrical characteristic. Thegraph shows two types of electrical characteristics: one that increasesas the condition increases and the other that decreases and thecondition increases. As an example of the first type, impedance of atemperature sensor increases and the temperature increases. As anexample of a second type, a capacitance touch sensor decreases incapacitance as a touch is sensed.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of another example of a power signalgraph in which the electrical characteristic or change in electricalcharacteristic of the sensor is affecting the power signal. In thisexample, the effect of the electrical characteristic or change inelectrical characteristic of the sensor reduced the DC component but hadlittle to no effect on the oscillating component. For example, theelectrical characteristic is resistance. In this example, the resistanceor change in resistance of the sensor decreased the power signal,inferring an increase in resistance for a relatively constant current.

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of another example of a powersignal graph in which the electrical characteristic or change inelectrical characteristic of the sensor is affecting the power signal.In this example, the effect of the electrical characteristic or changein electrical characteristic of the sensor reduced magnitude of theoscillating component but had little to no effect on the DC component.For example, the electrical characteristic is impedance of a capacitorand/or an inductor. In this example, the impedance or change inimpedance of the sensor decreased the magnitude of the oscillatingsignal component, inferring an increase in impedance for a relativelyconstant current.

FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of another example of a powersignal graph in which the electrical characteristic or change inelectrical characteristic of the sensor is affecting the power signal.In this example, the effect of the electrical characteristic or changein electrical characteristic of the sensor shifted frequency of theoscillating component but had little to no effect on the DC component.For example, the electrical characteristic is reactance of a capacitorand/or an inductor. In this example, the reactance or change inreactance of the sensor shifted frequency of the oscillating signalcomponent, inferring an increase in reactance (e.g., sensor isfunctioning as an integrator or phase shift circuit).

FIG. 11A is a schematic block diagram of another example of a powersignal graph in which the electrical characteristic or change inelectrical characteristic of the sensor is affecting the power signal.In this example, the effect of the electrical characteristic or changein electrical characteristic of the sensor changes the frequency of theoscillating component but had little to no effect on the DC component.For example, the sensor includes two transducers that oscillate atdifferent frequencies. The first transducer receives the power signal ata frequency of f1 and converts it into a first physical condition. Thesecond transducer is stimulated by the first physical condition tocreate an electrical signal at a different frequency f2. In thisexample, the first and second transducers of the sensor change thefrequency of the oscillating signal component, which allows for moregranular sensing and/or a broader range of sensing.

FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a power signalchange detection circuit 112 receiving the affected power signal 118 andthe power signal 116 as generated to produce, therefrom, the signalrepresentative 120 of the power signal change. The affect 118 on thepower signal is the result of an electrical characteristic and/or changein the electrical characteristic of a sensor; a few examples of theaffects are shown in FIGS. 8-11A.

In an embodiment, the power signal change detection circuit 112 detect achange in the DC component 122 and/or the oscillating component 124 ofthe power signal 116. The power signal change detection circuit 112 thengenerates the signal representative 120 of the change to the powersignal based on the change to the power signal. For example, the changeto the power signal results from the impedance of the sensor and/or achange in impedance of the sensor. The representative signal 120 isreflective of the change in the power signal and/or in the change in thesensor's impedance.

In an embodiment, the power signal change detection circuit 112 isoperable to detect a change to the oscillating component at a frequency,which may be a phase shift, frequency change, and/or change in magnitudeof the oscillating component. The power signal change detection circuit112 is also operable to generate the signal representative of the changeto the power signal based on the change to the oscillating component atthe frequency. The power signal change detection circuit 112 is furtheroperable to provide feedback to the power source circuit 110 regardingthe oscillating component. The feedback allows the power source circuit110 to regulate the oscillating component at the desired frequency,phase, and/or magnitude.

FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a drivesense circuit 28-b includes a change detection circuit 150, a regulationcircuit 152, and a power source circuit 154. The drive-sense circuit28-b is coupled to the sensor 30, which includes a transducer that hasvarying electrical characteristics (e.g., capacitance, inductance,impedance, current, voltage, etc.) based on varying physical conditions114 (e.g., pressure, temperature, biological, chemical, etc.).

The power source circuit 154 is operably coupled to the sensor 30 and,when enabled (e.g., from a control signal from the processing module 42,power is applied, a switch is closed, a reference signal is received,etc.) provides a power signal 158 to the sensor 30. The power sourcecircuit 154 may be a voltage supply circuit (e.g., a battery, a linearregulator, an unregulated DC-to-DC converter, etc.) to produce avoltage-based power signal or a current supply circuit (e.g., a currentsource circuit, a current mirror circuit, etc.) to produce acurrent-based power signal. The power source circuit 154 generates thepower signal 158 to include a DC (direct current) component and anoscillating component.

When receiving the power signal 158 and when exposed to a condition 114,an electrical characteristic of the sensor affects 160 the power signal.When the change detection circuit 150 is enabled, it detects the affect160 on the power signal as a result of the electrical characteristic ofthe sensor 30. The change detection circuit 150 is further operable togenerate a signal 120 that is representative of change to the powersignal based on the detected effect on the power signal.

The regulation circuit 152, when its enabled, generates regulationsignal 156 to regulate the DC component to a desired DC level and/orregulate the oscillating component to a desired oscillating level (e.g.,magnitude, phase, and/or frequency) based on the signal 120 that isrepresentative of the change to the power signal. The power sourcecircuit 154 utilizes the regulation signal 156 to keep the power signalat a desired setting 158 regardless of the electrical characteristic ofthe sensor. In this manner, the amount of regulation is indicative ofthe affect the electrical characteristic had on the power signal.

In an example, the power source circuit 158 is a DC-DC converteroperable to provide a regulated power signal having DC and ACcomponents. The change detection circuit 150 is a comparator and theregulation circuit 152 is a pulse width modulator to produce theregulation signal 156. The comparator compares the power signal 158,which is affected by the sensor, with a reference signal that includesDC and AC components. When the electrical characteristics is at a firstlevel (e.g., a first impedance), the power signal is regulated toprovide a voltage and current such that the power signal substantiallyresembles the reference signal.

When the electrical characteristics changes to a second level (e.g., asecond impedance), the change detection circuit 150 detects a change inthe DC and/or AC component of the power signal 158 and generates therepresentative signal 120, which indicates the changes. The regulationcircuit 152 detects the change in the representative signal 120 andcreates the regulation signal to substantially remove the effect on thepower signal. The regulation of the power signal 158 may be done byregulating the magnitude of the DC and/or AC components, by adjustingthe frequency of AC component, and/or by adjusting the phase of the ACcomponent.

With respect to the operation of various drive-sense circuits asdescribed herein and/or their equivalents, note that the operation ofsuch a drive-sense circuit is operable simultaneously to drive and sensea signal via a single line. In comparison to switched, time-divided,time-multiplexed, etc. operation in which there is switching betweendriving and sensing (e.g., driving at first time, sensing at secondtime, etc.) of different respective signals at separate and distincttimes, the drive-sense circuit is operable simultaneously to performboth driving and sensing of a signal. In some examples, suchsimultaneous driving and sensing is performed via a single line using adrive-sense circuit.

In addition, other alternative implementations of various drive-sensecircuits are described in U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No.16/113,379, entitled “DRIVE SENSE CIRCUIT WITH DRIVE-SENSE LINE,”(Attorney Docket No. SGS00009), filed Aug. 27, 2018, pending. Anyinstantiation of a drive-sense circuit as described herein may also beimplemented using any of the various implementations of variousdrive-sense circuits described in U.S. Utility patent application Ser.No. 16/113,379.

In addition, note that the one or more signals provided from adrive-sense circuit (DSC) may be of any of a variety of types. Forexample, such a signal may be based on encoding of one or more bits togenerate one or more coded bits used to generate modulation data (orgenerally, data). For example, a device is configured to perform forwarderror correction (FEC) and/or error checking and correction (ECC) codeof one or more bits to generate one or more coded bits. Examples of FECand/or ECC may include turbo code, convolutional code, turbo trelliscoded modulation (TTCM), low density parity check (LDPC) code,Reed-Solomon (RS) code, BCH (Bose and Ray-Chaudhuri, and Hocquenghem)code, binary convolutional code (BCC), Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC),and/or any other type of ECC and/or FEC code and/or combination thereof,etc. Note that more than one type of ECC and/or FEC code may be used inany of various implementations including concatenation (e.g., first ECCand/or FEC code followed by second ECC and/or FEC code, etc. such asbased on an inner code/outer code architecture, etc.), parallelarchitecture (e.g., such that first ECC and/or FEC code operates onfirst bits while second ECC and/or FEC code operates on second bits,etc.), and/or any combination thereof.

Also, the one or more coded bits may then undergo modulation or symbolmapping to generate modulation symbols (e.g., the modulation symbols mayinclude data intended for one or more recipient devices, components,elements, etc.). Note that such modulation symbols may be generatedusing any of various types of modulation coding techniques. Examples ofsuch modulation coding techniques may include binary phase shift keying(BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), 8-phase shift keying(PSK), 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), 32 amplitude and phaseshift keying (APSK), etc., uncoded modulation, and/or any other desiredtypes of modulation including higher ordered modulations that mayinclude even greater number of constellation points (e.g., 1024 QAM,etc.).

In addition, note that a signal provided from a DSC may be of a uniquefrequency that is different from signals provided from other DSCs. Also,a signal provided from a DSC may include multiple frequenciesindependently or simultaneously. The frequency of the signal can behopped on a pre-arranged pattern. In some examples, a handshake isestablished between one or more DSCs and one or more processing module(e.g., one or more controllers) such that the one or more DSC is/aredirected by the one or more processing modules regarding which frequencyor frequencies and/or which other one or more characteristics of the oneor more signals to use at one or more respective times and/or in one ormore particular situations.

With respect to any signal that is driven and simultaneously detected bya DSC, note that any additional signal that is coupled into a line, anelectrode, a touch sensor, a bus, a communication link, an electricalcoupling or connection, etc. associated with that DSC is alsodetectable. For example, a DSC that is associated with such a line, anelectrode, a touch sensor, a bus, a communication link, an electricalcoupling or connection, etc. is configured to detect any signal from oneor more other lines, electrodes, a touch sensors, a buses, acommunication links, electrical couplings or connections, etc. that getcoupled into that line, electrode, touch sensor, bus, communicationlink, electrical coupling or connection, etc.

Note that the different respective signals that are driven andsimultaneously sensed by one or more DSCs may be are differentiated fromone another. Appropriate filtering and processing can identify thevarious signals given their differentiation, orthogonality to oneanother, difference in frequency, etc. Other examples described hereinand their equivalents operate using any of a number of differentcharacteristics other than or in addition to frequency.

FIG. 14A is a schematic block diagram of examples 1401 of power signalsin accordance with the present invention. From left to right are shownsignals associated with a DC (direct current) power supply, an AC(alternating current) power supply, and an AC power supply with a DCoffset. These diagrams show ideal power supply signal examples. An idealDC power supply maintains a constant voltage at all times. An ideal DCpower supply maintains an ideal sinusoidal signal at all times. An idealAC power supply with a DC offset maintains an ideal sinusoidal signalhaving a DC offset at all times. Note that these examples areillustrative of certain types of signals that are output from powersupplies and not exhaustive of all possible types of signals that areoutput from power supplies. In general, power supplies can beimplemented to operate in any of a variety of different types ofapplications. For example, relatively lower voltage power supplies maybe implemented to provide DC power to computer components, such asdesktop appears, laptops, charging devices that they operate to chargeconsumer electronics such as cell phones, smart phones, tablets,portable music devices, etc. other higher voltage power supplies mayoperate to provide DC power to components requiring high voltages suchas DC motors, machinery, etc. such as may be amended in an industrialapplication. In general, a power supply is implemented to provide powerto one or more loads (e.g., and a load may be viewed as any one or moreof a device, integrated circuit, circuitry, computer, tablet, smartphone, appliance, motor, etc.) for consumption by the load.

However, in actual implementations of devices, the signals output fromrespective types of power supplies may not be ideal. For example, withrespect to and AC-DC conversion operation, there can be an oscillatingcomponent, or a ripple, associated with the DC signal that is outputfrom the power supply. In addition, other effects such as interference,noise, etc. may adversely affect the quality of the signal is outputfrom the power supply.

FIG. 14B is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 1402 of AC-DCconversion circuitry and associated DC output signals in accordance withthe present invention. This diagram shows a circuitry implemented toperform AC-DC conversion. This is implemented using diode bridgerectifier circuit (e.g., implemented using power diodes in someexamples). An AC input signal is provided to a transformer, and theoutput of the transformer is appropriately connected to the diode bridgerectifier circuit such that full wave rectification converts bothpolarities of the implant AC signal to pulsating DC signals. A DC outputsignal is provided to the load, which is shown here as an impedance, ZL.Note that the impedance may be purely resistive, purely reactive, or anycombination of resistive and reactive components including inductive andcapacitive components. Also, a capacitor is implemented across the loadto facilitate a more stable output DC signal. For example, looking atthe waveform diagrams on the right-hand side of the diagram, thecapacitor is charged during an upward cycle of the rectified outputsignal, and the capacitor is discharged during the downward cycle of therectified output signal. Note that this can result in some variation ofthe DC output signal from the power supply. Generally speaking, thisvariation in the output DC signal may be described as a ripple. Notethat the size of the ripple will vary as a function of the load of thepower supply. If the load of the power supply is changing, the ripplesize also will vary. In this diagram, the ripple is shown is increasingas the size of the load increases.

Note that such rectification circuitries may be implemented in a varietyof ways and using a variety of components. For example, high-powerrectifiers that may be used in high voltage DC power transmission may beimplemented using silicon semiconductor devices. In some examples,properly controlled solid-state switches, which may be implemented usingmetal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), where aMOSFET is a type of field-effect transistor (FET), may also be used suchthat the devices effectively function as diodes to pass current in onlyone direction. Various types of power supplies may include one or moresets of rectifiers, switches, transformers, etc.

In addition, note that while a full-wave bridge rectifier is shown inthis diagram, a half wave rectifier may alternatively be implementedusing two diodes to effectuate the AC-DC conversion, such that only thepositive cycles of the AC sinusoidal input signal are provided as outputand smooth using the capacitor. In many applications, a full-wave bridgerectifier is preferable to a half-wave rectifier for any of a variety ofreasons that may include a much higher ripple factor, a very lowrectification efficiency given that power is delivered only duringone-half cycle of the AC input signal, low transformer utilizationfactor, DC saturation of the transformer core that may adversely resultin a variety of problems such as magnetizing current, hysteresis,harmonic generation, etc. note that such functionality and operations asdescribed herein may be applicable to any type of power supply that maybe implemented including those that operate to effectuate AC-DCconversion using full-wave bridge rectification or half-waverectification.

FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of other examples 1500 of powersignals in accordance with the present invention. This diagram showssome examples of adversely affected DC power supply signals. At the topleft of the datagram is an ideal DC signal showing a constant voltage asa function of time output from a DC power supply. The top right of thediagram shows a DC signal that is adversely experiencing voltage sag.This voltage sag may be based on the load that is being serviced by theDC power supply. For example, if the DC power supply is not sufficientlyrated to deliver adequate power that is required by the load, thevoltage may sag.

At the bottom left of the diagram is a time varying DC signal that isadversely experiencing voltage sag that varies as a function of time(e.g., such as based on changing characteristics of the load). At thebottom right of the diagram is a DC signal that is deleteriouslyaffected by harmonic glitches. Such harmonic glitches may be coupledinto the power supply signal from any of a number of sources includingthe AC source that is energizing the power supply, noise in theenvironment in which the power supply is implemented, or coupled intothe power supply from one or more other components. These diagrams showsome possible deleterious effects they may adversely affect the qualityof a signal output from a DC power supply. In addition, note that anyone or more of such deleterious effects may be included within a DCpower supply signal. For example, a DC power supply signal mayunfortunately be affected by both voltage sag and harmonic glitches.

In some embodiments, a DSC is appropriately implemented simultaneouslyto sense the power supply signal and compensate for any such deleteriouseffects in the power supply signal. For example, a DSC may beimplemented to detect such variations in DC the power supply signal andto drive a signal into the DC power supply signal to counteract suchvariations in the DC power supply signal.

FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram of other examples 1600 of powersignals in accordance with the present invention. This diagram showssome example of adversely affected AC power supply signals. At the topleft of the diagram is an ideal DC signal showing a constant sinusoidalsignal as a function of time output from an AC power supply. The topmiddle of the diagram shows an AC signal that is adversely experiencingvoltage sag based on the load. The magnitude or amplitude of the ACsignal is reduced (e.g., as a function of the load). The top right ofthe diagram shows an AC signal that is adversely experiencing phaseshift. Such a shift may be caused by a variety of reasons. For example,the phase shift may be based on the load that is being serviced by thepower supply and/or the interaction of the load that is being servicedby the power supply and one or more components of the power supplyitself.

At the bottom left of the diagram is an AC signal that is adverselyexperiencing voltage sag that varies as a function of time. As can beseen in the diagram, different amounts of voltage sag are manifested inthe AC signal as a function of time such that the magnitude of the ACsignal is not only sagging, but the amount of sag is time varying andchanging. At the bottom right of the diagram is an AC signal that isdeleteriously affected by harmonic glitches. Such harmonic glitches maybe coupled into the power supply signal from any of a number of sourcesincluding the AC source that is energizing the power supply, noise inthe environment in which the power supply is implemented, or coupledinto the power supply from one or more other components. These diagramsshow some possible deleterious effects they may adversely affect thequality of an AC signal output from an AC power supply. In addition,note that any one or more of such deleterious effects may be includedwithin an AC power supply signal. For example, an AC power supply signalmay unfortunately be affected by both voltage sag and harmonic glitches.

In some embodiments, a DSC is appropriately implemented simultaneouslyto sense the power supply signal and compensate for any such deleteriouseffects in the AC power supply signal. For example, a DSC may beimplemented to detect such variations in the AC power supply signal andto drive a signal into the AC power supply signal to counteract suchvariations in the AC power supply signal. In some examples, the DSC isconfigured to inject a signal that is equal and opposite to thedeleterious effects in the AC power supply signal to generate aconditioned power supply signal such that the deleterious effects arereduced or eliminated. In some examples, note that the injected signalcorresponds to an inverse of the deleterious effects.

In addition, with respect to DC power supply signals and/or combinationDC and AC power supply signals that may suffer adversely from suchdeleterious effects, in some examples, an appropriately implemented DSCis configured to inject a signal that is equal and opposite to thedeleterious effects in the DC power supply signal and/or combination DCand AC power supply signal to generate a conditioned power supply signalsuch that the deleterious effects are reduced or eliminated. In general,regardless of the type of power supply being implemented, anappropriately implemented DSC is configured to inject a signal that isequal and opposite to any deleterious effects in the power supply signalto generate a conditioned power supply signal such that the deleteriouseffects are reduced or eliminated (e.g., irrespective of what particulartype of power supply signal is implemented in a given example). In someexamples, note that the injected signal corresponds to an inverse of thedeleterious effects such that, when combined with the power supplysignal that includes the deleterious effects, the generated conditionedpower supply signal includes reduced deleterious effects or is devoid ofthe deleterious effects.

Various aspects, embodiments, and/or examples of the invention (and/ortheir equivalents) provide implementations by which a power supplysignal is sensed, and appropriately processed to counter-act any suchdeleterious effects that may be detected in in the power supply signalto generate a conditioned power supply signal such that the deleteriouseffects are reduced or eliminated. From certain perspectives, aconditioned power supply signal may be viewed as a substantially and/orapproximately ideal power supply signal that includes fewer or nodeleterious effects. Also, from certain perspectives, a conditionedpower supply signal may be viewed as being an improved signal thatcompares more favorably to an ideal power supply signal (e.g., withfewer or no deleterious effects) as compared to the actual power supplysignal output from the power supply that may unfortunately suffer fromsome such deleterious effects.

FIG. 17A is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 1701 of AC-DCconversion circuitry that includes a drive-sense circuit (DSC) inaccordance with the present invention. This circuitry of this diagramperforms an AC-DC conversion using a transformer 1712 and rectifiers1710. In some examples, rectifiers are implemented as power diodes. Oneor more processing modules 1730 is coupled to a DSC 1728. Note that theone or more processing modules 1730 may include integrated memory and/orbe coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory storesoperational instructions to be executed by the one or more processingmodules 1730. In addition, note that the one or more processing modules1730 may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements,etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communicationpathways, channels, etc.

The one or more processing module 1730 are configured to direct theoperation of the DSC 1728 that is coupled or connected via a single-linedrive sense-signal to a terminal of one of the windings of thetransformer 1712. The output terminals of the transformer 1712 areproperly connected to the rectifiers 1710 to provide a DC output signal.In an example of operation and implementation, the one or moreprocessing module 1730 are configured to provide a reference signal tothe DSC 1728 that then outputs an AC signal, based on the referencesignal provided from the one or more processing modules 1730, to theterminal of one of the windings of the transformer 1712.

FIG. 17B is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 1702 of an outputstage of the AC-DC conversion circuitry of FIG. 17A in accordance withthe present invention. This diagram shows one possible example of outputfiltering that is performed on the DC output signal by the power supplyusing a filter 1720. The filter 1720 may be implemented as any of anumber of different types of filters including a low pass filter, an RCcircuit, etc. Generally speaking with respect to a device implementedperformed AC-DC conversion, the filter 1720 may be implemented to reducethe ripple of the DC output signal and maintain a substantially orapproximately constant output voltage from the power supply to one ormore loads that the power supply is servicing.

FIG. 17C is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 1703 of anoutput stage of the AC-DC conversion circuitry of FIG. 17A in accordancewith the present invention. This diagram shows a particularimplementation using a filter capacitor and a bleeder resistor toperform the appropriate filtering of the DC output signal that isprovided from the power supply. In general, note that any of a varietyof different types of filtering operations may be performed byappropriately implemented components within the power supply. Again, ingeneral, with respect to a device implemented performed AC-DCconversion, such filtering may be implemented to reduce the ripple ofthe DC output signal and maintain a substantially or approximatelyconstant output voltage from the power supply to one or more loads thatthe power supply is servicing.

FIG. 18A is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 1801 of ahalf-wave rectifier with capacitor (C) filter in accordance with thepresent invention. This diagram shows half-wave rectification such thatan AC input signal is provided to first terminals of a transformer 1812and a diode, such as a power diode, is implemented performed half-waverectification of the output signal from the second terminals of thetransformer 1812. This diagram shows a half-wave rectifier with acapacitor, C, filter to smooth DC output signal. Note also that ableeder resistor, R, is included in this implementation. As can be seenon the right-hand side of the diagram, only the positive cycles of theAC sinusoidal input signal are output, and a ripple of the DC outputsignal occurs during the charging and discharging operations of thecapacitor filter. Also, on the right-hand side of the diagram withrespect to the dotted line, note the output waveform without thecapacitor filter.

FIG. 18B is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 1802 of afull-wave bridge rectifier with capacitor (C) filter in accordance withthe present invention. This diagram shows full-wave bridge rectificationsuch that an AC input signal is provided to first terminals of atransformer 1812 and a full bridge of four diodes, such as power diodes,is implemented performed full-wave rectification of the output signalfrom the second terminals of the transformer 1812. This diagram shows afull-wave rectifier with a capacitor, C, filter to smooth DC outputsignal. Note also that a bleeder resistor, R, is included in thisimplementation. As can be seen on the right-hand side of the diagram,only the positive cycles of the AC sinusoidal input signal are output,and a ripple of the DC output signal occurs during the charging anddischarging operations of the capacitor filter. Also, on the right-handside of the diagram with respect to the dotted line, note the outputwaveform without the capacitor filter.

FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 1900 of a switchedmode power supply implemented using a full-wave bridge in accordancewith the present invention. This diagram and the following diagram showpossible implementations of switched mode power supplies. In general,switched mode power supplies provide the ability to deliver much morepower than linear regulated power supplies, with some additionalcomplexity in the switched mode operation.

In this particular implementation, an AC input signal is provided to afirst set of rectifiers 1910. This set of rectifiers 1910 is sometimesreferred to as a rectifier and reservoir circuit. Note that therectifiers 1910 may be implemented in any of a variety of ways includinghalf-wave rectification, full-wave bridge rectification, etc. The outputsignal from the rectifiers 1910 are provided to a switching network(e.g., which may be implemented using appropriately connected MOSFETs)that provides an output signal to the first terminals of a transformer1912. The second terminals of the transformer 1912 are coupled toanother set of rectifiers 1920. An output capacitor filter, C,conditions the DC signal output from the rectifiers 1920. Also, theoutput the positive output signal from the rectifiers 1920 is fedthrough a voltage divider (e.g., shown in this example as a two-stagevoltage divider that includes two resistors, R) and provides a feedbacksignal to a comparator or operational amplifier that generates a controlsignal to a pulse width modulation (PWM) 1930.

Within operation of the switched mode power supply, the output of therectifiers 1910 is provided to a switching circuit that receives pulsewidth modulation (PWM) pulses from a PWM 1930 that is driven from theoutput of the comparator or operational amplifier having two inputsincluding a voltage reference signal (Vref) and the feedback from theoutput of the set of rectifiers 1920 after being appropriately scaledusing the voltage divider.

Generally speaking, a switched mode power supply is implemented to use ahigh-frequency square wave to drive an electronic power switchingcircuit. The AC-DC conversion process is performed in multiple steps.The circuit converts an initial DC supply into a high-frequency, highcurrent AC signal, which is been reconverted into a regulated DC outputsignal. This is sometimes referred to as a double conversion process. Byperforming this double conversion process, the preliminary DC signal orthe initial AC input signal is converted to a very high-frequency ACsignal, and as such, the respective components of the switched modepower supply can be much smaller than if they were implemented at lowerfrequencies. For example, the transformer 1912, any reactive componentssuch as inductors and capacitors, that may be used for conversion backto the DC output signal may be much smaller, and often times muchcheaper than would be required to perform such conversion operations atlower frequencies, including typical power system AC line frequency suchas 60 Hz.

In some examples, the switching network is implemented as a half-wavebridge that includes the switches of the switched mode power supply, andoperate at a very high power and high voltage DC signal. In a particularlimitation, the switching of the PWM 1930 is performed at ahigh-frequency such as within the range of 40 kHz to 400 kHz, and the DCrail of the square wave signal that is provided to the switching networkuse a high-power 220 Volt DC rail.

Note that the very high-frequency AC signal that is output from theswitching network to the first terminals of the transformer 1912 is asquare wave, and as such, PWM may be used to control the output voltageof the switching network.

FIG. 20 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 2000 of a switchedmode power supply implemented using a half-wave bridge in accordancewith the present invention. This diagram has many similarities to theprevious diagram with at least one difference being the switchingnetwork is implemented using half-way rectification. In this particularimplementation, an AC input signal is provided to a first set ofrectifiers 2010. Note that the rectifiers 2010 may be implemented in anyof a variety of ways including half-wave rectification, half-wave bridgerectification, etc. The output signal from the rectifiers 2010 areprovided to a switching network (e.g., which may be implemented usingappropriately connected MOSFETs) that provides an output signal to thefirst terminals of a transformer 2012. The second terminals of thetransformer 2012 are coupled to another set of rectifiers 2020. Anoutput capacitor filter, C, conditions the DC signal output from therectifiers 2020. Also, the output the positive output signal from therectifiers 2020 is fed through a voltage divider (e.g., shown in thisexample as a two-stage voltage divider that includes two resistors, R)and provides a feedback signal to a comparator or operational amplifierthat generates a control signal to a pulse width modulation (PWM) 2030.

Within operation of the switched mode power supply, the output of therectifiers 2010 is provided to a switching circuit that receives PWMpulses from a PWM 2030 that is driven from the output of the comparatoror operational amplifier having two inputs including a voltage referencesignal (Vref) and the feedback from the output of the set of rectifiers2020 after being appropriately scaled using the voltage divider.

Generally speaking, a switched mode power supply is implemented to use ahigh-frequency square wave to drive an electronic power switchingcircuit. The AC-DC conversion process is performed in multiple steps.The circuit converts an initial DC supply into a high-frequency, highcurrent AC signal, which is been reconverted into a regulated DC outputsignal. This is sometimes referred to as a double conversion process. Byperforming this double conversion process, the preliminary DC signal orthe initial AC input signal is converted to a very high-frequency ACsignal, and as such, the respective components of the switched modepower supply can be much smaller than if they were implemented at lowerfrequencies. For example, the transformer 2012, any reactive componentssuch as inductors and capacitors, that may be used for conversion backto the DC output signal may be much smaller, and often times muchcheaper than would be required to perform such conversion operations atlower frequencies, including typical power system AC line frequency suchas 60 Hz.

In some examples, the switching network is implemented as a half-wavebridge that includes the switches of the switched mode power supply, andoperate at a very high power and high voltage DC signal. In a particularlimitation, the switching of the PWM 2030 is performed at ahigh-frequency such as within the range of 40 kHz to 400 kHz, and the DCrail of the square wave signal that is provided to the switching networkuse a high-power 220 Volt DC rail.

The previous two diagrams provide some background on switched mode powersupplies. Other previous diagrams provide other examples of alternativetypes of power supplies including those that perform AC-DC conversionusing one or both of half-wave rectification or full-wave bridgerectification. Note that these types of power supplies are examples ofpower supplies that may benefit from the appropriate implementation ofone or more DSCs to improve their performance. The operation of thesetypes of power supplies and others that provide output signals that arenon-ideal is improved based on the operation of one or more DSCs thatare operative to provide a more accurate, more stable, power supplysignal to one or more loads. In general, note that any power supplysignal that suffers from any deleterious effect, variation, instability,noise, interference, problem, etc. may be improved using one or moreDSCs in accordance with various aspects, embodiments, and/or examples ofthe invention (and/or their equivalents).

Certain of the following diagrams show one or more processing modules.In certain instances, the one or more processing modules is configuredto communicate with and interact with one or more other devicesincluding one or more of DSCs, one or more components with a DSC, one ormore power supplies, one or more components within a power supply, oneor more loads, etc. Note that any such implementation of one or moreprocessing modules may include integrated memory and/or be coupled toother memory. At least some of the memory stores operationalinstructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules. Inaddition, note that the one or more processing modules may interfacewith one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one ormore communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels,etc.

In addition, when a DSC is implemented to communicate with and interactwith one or more loads, the DSC is configured simultaneously to transmitand receive one or more signals with the one or more loads. For example,a DSC is configured simultaneously to sense and to drive one or moresignals to the one or more loads. During transmission of a signal from aDSC, that same DSC is configured simultaneously to sense the signalbeing transmitted from the DSC and any other signal may be coupled intothe signal that is being transmitted from the DSC.

FIG. 21A is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 2101 of a DSCconfigured simultaneously to drive and sense a power signal inaccordance with the present invention. In this diagram, one or moreprocessing modules 2130 is configured to communicate with and interactwith a drive-sense circuit (DSC) 2128. The DSC is configured to providea power signal to one or more loads of shown as load 2140 to load2140-n. Note that such a load may be any device that is being provided apower signal. Examples of such loads may include any one or more of anintegrated circuit, circuitry, a computer, a tablet, a smartphone, anappliance, a motor, etc. In general, any device that is being provided apower signal from the power supply may be viewed as a load. Note thatone or more loads are depicted in other diagrams as well, and, ingeneral, any such loads may be any such device that is being providedpower via one or more signals. Generally speaking, any device thatconsumes electricity in accordance with being provided a power signalmay be viewed as a load herein.

In this diagram, the DSC 2128 operates to provide the power signal tothe one or more loads 2140 to 2140-n and also simultaneously to detectany effect on the power signal. A power supply is integrated into theDSC 2128 in this diagram. From certain perspectives, a DSC, asimplemented in accordance with various aspects, embodiments, and/orexamples of the invention (and/or their equivalents) may be viewed toperform the operation of the power supply by delivering power to one ormore loads.

FIG. 21B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 2102 of aDSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a power signal inaccordance with the present invention. In this diagram, DSC 2128-1includes a power source circuit 2110 and a power signal change detectioncircuit 2112. The power signal change detection circuit 2112 includes apower source reference circuit 2112 a and a comparator 2112 b. Withrespect to this diagram as well as others, note than any comparator mayalternatively implemented as an operational amplifier as desired incertain examples. For example, while come examples are implemented suchthat a comparator operates to output a binary signal (e.g., either a 1or a 0), an operational amplifier may alternatively be implemented tooutput any signal within a range of signals as may be desired in certainapplications. In some examples, the power source circuit 2112 may be anindependent current source, a dependent current source, a current mirrorcircuit, etc., or alternatively, an independent voltage source, adependent voltage source, etc.

In addition, one or more processing modules 2132 is configured tointeract with and communicate with the DSC 2128-1. In some examples, theone or more processing modules 2132 is configured to provide controlsignals to one or more of the components within the DSC 2128-1. Inaddition, the one or more processing modules 2132 is configured toreceive information from DSC 2128-1. The one or more processing modules2132 is configured to process information that is received and to directoperation of one or more of the components within the DSC 2128-1.

In an example of operation based on a current related implementation ofthe DSC 2128-1, the power source reference circuit 2112 a provides acurrent reference with at least one of DC and oscillating components tothe power source circuit 2110. The current source generates a current asthe power signal based on the current reference. An electricalcharacteristic of the one or more loads 2140 to 2140-n has an effect onthe current power signal. For example, if the impedance of the one ormore loads 2140 to 2140-n decreases and the current power signal remainssubstantially unchanged, the voltage across the one or more loads 2140to 2140-n is decreased.

The comparator 2112 b compares the current reference with the affectedpower signal to produce a signal that is representative of the change tothe power signal. For example, the current reference signal correspondsto a given current (I) times a given impedance (Z). The currentreference generates the power signal to produce the given current (I).If the impedance of the one or more loads 2140 to 2140-n substantiallymatches the given impedance (Z), then the comparator's output isreflective of the impedances substantially matching. If the impedance ofthe one or more loads 2140 to 2140-n is greater than the given impedance(Z), then the comparator's output is indicative of how much greater theimpedance of the one or more loads 2140 to 2140-n is than that of thegiven impedance (Z). If the impedance of the one or more loads 2140 to2140-n is less than the given impedance (Z), then the comparator'soutput is indicative of how much less the impedance of the one or moreloads 2140 to 2140-n is than that of the given impedance (Z).

In an example of operation based on a voltage related implementation ofthe DSC 2128-1, the power source reference circuit 2112 a provides avoltage reference with at least one of DC and oscillating components tothe power source circuit 2110. The power source circuit 2110 generates avoltage as the power signal based on the voltage reference. Anelectrical characteristic of the one or more loads 2140 to 2140-n has aneffect on the voltage power signal. For example, if the impedance of thesensor decreases and the voltage power signal remains substantiallyunchanged, the current through the sensor is increased.

The comparator 2112 b compares the voltage reference with the affectedpower signal to produce the signal that is representative of the changeto the power signal. For example, the voltage reference signalcorresponds to a given voltage (V) divided by a given impedance (Z). Thevoltage reference generates the power signal to produce the givenvoltage (V). If the impedance of the one or more loads 2140 to 2140-nsubstantially matches the given impedance (Z), then the comparator'soutput is reflective of the impedances substantially matching. If theimpedance of the one or more loads 2140 to 2140-n is greater than thegiven impedance (Z), then the comparator's output is indicative of howmuch greater the impedance of the one or more loads 2140 to 2140-n isthan that of the given impedance (Z). If the impedance of the one ormore loads 2140 to 2140-n is less than the given impedance (Z), then thecomparator's output is indicative of how much less the impedance of theone or more loads 2140 to 2140-n is than that of the given impedance(Z).

FIG. 22A is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 2202 of aDSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a power signal inaccordance with the present invention. In this diagram, a DSC 2228includes a regulation circuit 2212 includes a feedback circuit 2213, apower source circuit 2210, and a comparator 2215. The DSC 2228interfaces with one or more processing modules 2230 using a digital toanalog converter (DAC) 2252 and an analog to digital converter (ADC)2252. The one or more processing modules 2230 is configured to provide adigital control signal via the DAC 2252 to the comparator 2215 to beused as a reference signal by the comparator 2215. Note that the digitalcontrol signal is transformed into an analog signal by the DAC 2252before being provided to the comparator 2215. The one or more processingmodules 2230 is also configured to receive a signal output from thecomparator 2215 via the ADC 2250. For example, the analog signal outputfrom the comparator 2215, when comparing the power signal that isprovided from the power source circuit 2210 to the one or more loads2240 to 2240-n and any effect thereof to the reference signal receivedfrom the one or more processing modules 2230 via the DAC 2252, isprocessed by the ADC 2252 provided digital representation of that analogsignal to the one or more processing modules 2230.

The analog signal output from the comparator 2215 is provided to thefeedback circuit 2213 of the regulation circuit 2212 to generate asignal to be provided to the power source circuit 2210 to modifyoperation of the power source circuit 2210 to ensure that the powersignal provided to the one or more loads 2240 to 2240-n is regulated tobe same as the reference signal received by the comparator 2215 from theone or more processing modules 2230 via the DAC 2252. Thisimplementation includes a DSC 2228 that interfaces with one or moreprocessing modules 2230 via externally located and implemented ADC 2250and DAC 2252.

FIG. 22B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 2202 of aDSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a power signal inaccordance with the present invention. In this diagram, a DSC 2228-1includes a regulation circuit 2212 includes a feedback circuit 2213, apower source circuit 2210, a comparator 2215, and also an integrated ADC2260 and DAC 2262 that are configured to facilitate interfacing with oneor more processing modules 2230. This diagram has many similarities tothe prior diagram with at least one difference being that ADC 2260 andDAC 2262 are implemented within or integrated within the DSC 2228-1.Note that alternative and limitations of a DSC may be made including oneor more means of interfacing with one or more other devices, components,etc. using one or more integrated and/or externally implemented ADCand/or DAC.

FIG. 23 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 2300 of a DSCconfigured to perform power supply signal conditioning in accordancewith the present invention. In this diagram, a DSC 2328 includes adependent current supply 2317. The dependent current supply 2317 iscontrolled by an output signal that is based on operation of acomparator 2315 that compares a reference signal to the output signalfrom a power supply. Note that power Vdd of the dependent current supply2317 may be implemented as being from any one or more of differentsources in various examples. In some examples, the power supply Vdd issame as a power supply source of the power supply 2305. In otherexamples, the power supply Vdd is from a battery. In even otherexamples, the power supply Vdd is a highly conditioned power supplysignal that has undergone extensive filtering (e.g., removal of all ACcomponents with only a DC component remaining or alternatively removalof all DC components with only an AC component remaining). In yet otherexamples, the power supply Vdd is provide from a very capacitor (e.g., asuper-cap) that is implemented to be charged and to provide energy tothe dependent current supply 2317 as needed. Similarly, in otherdiagrams, examples, embodiments, etc. herein, such a power supply Vddmay be implemented as being from any one or more of different sources.

As described previously, some signals output from power supplies mayinclude one or more adverse effects, such as a ripple. In general, anydeleterious effect on output signal from a power supply may be reducedor eliminated using the processing of a DSC 2328 as described in thisdiagram.

A power supply 2305 outputs a signal and provides it to one or moreloads 2340 to 2340-n. A filtering capacitor, C, may be implemented tofilter the signal that is output from the power supply. The DSC 2328 isconfigured simultaneously to sense the signal output from the powersupply and to modify the signal output from this power supply, as may beneeded, to facilitate power supply signal conditioning. In someinstances, the DSC 2328 interacts with a coupling or connection betweenthe power supply 2305 and the one or more loads 2340 to 2340-n viamultiple connection points. In other instances, the DSC 2328 interactswith a coupling or connection between the power supply 2305 and the oneor more loads 2340 to 2340-n via a single connection/coupling. That isto say, in such an example, the DSC 2328 connects for couples to thecoupling or connection between the power supply 2305 and the one or moreloads 2340 to 2340-n via a single line. As described herein, any desiredimplementation of a DSC may be made such that the DSC is configuredsimultaneously to transmit and receive via a single line, orsimultaneously to sense and drive a signal via the single line.

In an example of operation and implementation, the output signal fromthe power supply is passed through a low pass filter (LPF) 2302 thatoutputs a reference signal as one of the inputs to comparator 2315 ofthe DSC 2328. In addition, the output signal from the power supplyitself is provided as the other input to the comparator 2315 of the DSC2328. The comparator 2315 compares the reference signal and the outputsignal from the power supply to generate a signal that is provided to anADC 2360 that processes that signal to generate a digital signal that isrepresentative of any effect of the output signal from the power supply.For example, when the output signal from the power supply includes aripple component, the digital signal output from the ADC 2360 includes adigital representation of that ripple voltage. As also described herein,note that the amount of ripple in the output signal from the powersupply will be a function of the one or more loads 2340 to 2340-n.Within this diagram as well as with respect to others that generate asignal that is a digital representation of any deleteriously effects ofthe power supply signal (e.g., ripple voltage), note that suchinformation may be fed into one or more processing modules to be usedfor any one or more of various applications including analysis,decision-making, etc. In some examples, this digital information is fedinto an artificial intelligence (AI) engine implemented to performmachine learning.

Moreover, note that some alternative examples may also or alternativelyinclude a sensing-only configuration of an alternative implementation ofthe DSC 2328 such that the DAC 2361 and the dependent current supply2317 are excluded and the alternative implementation of the DSC 2328includes the LPF 2302, the comparator 2315 (or operational amplifier),and the ADC 2360 implemented to provide the signal that is a digitalrepresentation of any deleteriously effects of the power supply signal(e.g., ripple voltage) to be used for any one or more of variousapplications. In such an example, such an alternative implementation ofthe DSC 2328 is a sensing device implemented to provide digitalinformation.

In this diagram, the digital signal that is representative of the ripplevoltage is passed through a DAC 2362 to generate an analog controlsignal that is provided to the dependent current supply 2317 that isconfigured to drive a current signal into the output signal from thepower supply to reduce or eliminate any deleterious effect of the outputsignal from the power supply. For example, when the output signal fromthe power supply includes a ripple component, the dependent currentsupply 2317 is configured to drive the current into the output signalfrom the power supply to reduce or eliminate that ripple component andensure a stable, regulated, etc. output signal from the power supply tobe provided to the one or more loads 2340 to 2340-n.

In an example of operation and implementation, this diagram includes apower supply signal conditioning system that includes a power supply andthe DSC. The power supply is operably coupled to one or more loads.Also, when enabled, the power supply is configured to output a powersupply signal having a DC (direct current) voltage component and aripple voltage component that is based on conversion of an AC(alternating current) signal in accordance with generating the powersupply signal.

The DSC 2328 is operably coupled to the power supply. When enabled, theDSC 2328 configured simultaneously to sense the power supply signal and,based on sensing of the power supply signal, adaptively to process thepower supply signal in accordance with reducing or eliminating theripple voltage component of the power supply signal to generate aconditioned power supply signal to service the one or more loads 2340 to2340-n.

In some examples, the DSC 2328, when enabled, is further configuredsimultaneously to sense the power supply signal and adaptively to injecta current signal that is based on the sensing of the power supply signalinto the power supply signal in accordance with reducing or eliminatingthe ripple voltage component of the power supply signal to generate theconditioned power supply signal to service the one or more loads 2340 to2340-n.

In some examples, the DSC 2328 also includes a low pass filter (LPF)2302 that is configured to process the power supply signal to generatean LPF signal. The DSC 2328 also includes a comparator 2315 configuredto compare the LPF signal to the power supply signal to produce ananalog comparator output signal. The DSC 2328 also includes a currentsupply circuit 2317 configured adaptively, based on the analogcomparator output signal, to inject the current signal that is based onthe sensing of the power supply signal into the power supply signal. Inother examples, the DSC 2328 also includes a low pass filter (LPF) 2302configured to process the power supply signal to generate an LPF signal.In alternative examples such as this that include an LPF 2302, note thatthe LPF 2302 may be replaced with an alternative filter (e.g., a highpass filter (HPF), a band pass filter (BPF), etc.). In this diagram, theLPF 2302 is implemented to reject higher frequency components of thepower supply signal. In alternative designs and implementations, anysuch desired filtering may alternatively be performed (e.g., BPF, HPF,etc.).

The DSC 2328 also includes a comparator that is configured to comparethe LPF signal to the power supply signal to produce an analogcomparator output signal. The DSC 2328 also includes an analog todigital converter (ADC) 2360 that is configured to process the analogcomparator output signal to generate a digital comparator output signalthat is representative of the ripple voltage component of the powersupply signal. The DSC 2328 also includes a digital to analog converter(DAC) 2362 that is configured to process the analog comparator outputsignal to generate another analog comparator output signal. The DSC 2328also includes a current supply circuit 2317 configured adaptively, basedon the another analog comparator output signal, to inject the currentsignal that is based on the sensing of the power supply signal into thepower supply signal.

In some examples, the DSC 2328 operably coupled via a single line to aconnection between the power supply and the one or more loads 2340 to2340-n. Also, when enabled, the DSC 2328 is further configuredsimultaneously to sense the power supply signal and, based on thesensing of the power supply signal, adaptively to inject the currentsignal that is based on the sensing of the power supply signal into thepower supply signal.

Note that the power supply 2305 may be on any of a number of varietiesand types of power supplies including any one or more of a half-wavebridge rectifier circuit, a full-wave bridge rectifier circuit, or aswitched mode power supply.

In some examples, the DSC 2328 also includes a power source circuitoperably coupled via a single line to a connection between the powersupply and the one or more loads 2340 to 2340-n. When enabled, the powersource circuit is configured adaptively to inject an analog signal intothe power supply signal in accordance with reducing or eliminating theripple voltage component of the power supply signal to generate theconditioned power supply signal to service the one or more loads 2340 to2340-n. The analog signal includes at least one of a DC (direct current)component or an oscillating component. The DSC 2228 also includes apower signal change detection circuit operably coupled to the powersource circuit. When enabled, the power signal change detection circuitis configured to detect an effect on the analog signal that is based onan electrical characteristic of at least one of the power supply and theone or more loads 2340 to 2340-n and to generate a digital signal thatis representative of the ripple voltage component of the power supplysignal.

Also, in some particular examples the power source circuit includes apower source to source at least one of a voltage or a current via thesingle line to the connection between the power supply and the one ormore loads 2340 to 2340-n. The power signal change detection circuitincludes a power source reference circuit configured to provide at leastone of a voltage reference or a current reference. The power signalchange detection circuit also includes a comparator configured tocompare the at least one of the voltage and the current provided via thesingle line to the connection between the power supply and the one ormore loads 2340 to 2340-n to the at least one of the voltage referenceand the current reference to produce the analog signal.

FIG. 24 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 2400 of a DSCconfigured to perform power supply signal conditioning in accordancewith the present invention. This diagram is very similar to the priordiagram with at least one difference being that the output from thecomparator 2415 is fed directly to the dependent current supply 2317without passing through a feedback path that includes an ADC and a DAC.Note that there may be some implementations in which a digital signalthat is representative of any deleterious effects of the power supplysignal is not needed or wanted. In such examples, note that the outputfrom the comparator 2415 is the signal that controls the dependentcurrent supply 2317.

FIG. 25A is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a method 2501for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the presentinvention. The method 2501 operates in step 2510 by outputting, from apower supply operably coupled to one or more loads, a power supplysignal having a DC (direct current) voltage component and a ripplevoltage component that is based on conversion of an AC (alternatingcurrent) signal in accordance with generating the power supply signal.

Via a drive-sense circuit (DSC) operably coupled to the power supply,the method 2501 also operates in step 2520 by simultaneously sensing thepower supply signal and, based on the sensing of the power supplysignal, adaptively processing the power supply signal in accordance withreducing or eliminating the ripple voltage component of the power supplysignal to generate a conditioned power supply signal to service the oneor more loads.

FIG. 25B is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a method 2502for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the presentinvention. The method 2502 operates in step 2511 by outputting, from apower supply operably coupled to one or more loads, a power supplysignal having a DC voltage component and a ripple voltage component thatis based on conversion of an AC signal in accordance with generating thepower supply signal.

Via a drive-sense circuit (DSC) operably coupled to the power supply,the method 2502 also operates in step 2521 by simultaneously sensing thepower supply signal and adaptively injecting a current signal that isbased on the sensing of the power supply signal into the power supplysignal in accordance with reducing or eliminating the ripple voltagecomponent of the power supply signal to generate the conditioned powersupply signal to service the one or more loads.

In some examples, the DSC also includes a low pass filter (LPF)configured to process the power supply signal to generate an LPF signal,a comparator configured to compare the LPF signal to the power supplysignal to produce an analog comparator output signal, and a currentsupply circuit configured adaptively, based on the analog comparatoroutput signal, to inject the current signal that is based on the sensingof the power supply signal into the power supply signal.

In other examples, the DSC includes a low pass filter (LPF) configuredto process the power supply signal to generate an LPF signal, acomparator configured to compare the LPF signal to the power supplysignal to produce an analog comparator output signal, an analog todigital converter (ADC) configured to process the analog comparatoroutput signal to generate a digital comparator output signal that isrepresentative of the ripple voltage component of the power supplysignal, a digital to analog converter (DAC) configured to process theanalog comparator output signal to generate another analog comparatoroutput signal, and a current supply circuit that is configuredadaptively, based on the another analog comparator output signal, toinject the current signal that is based on the sensing of the powersupply signal into the power supply signal.

Note also that the DSC may be operably coupled via a single line to aconnection between the power supply and the one or more loads. In suchexamples, a variant of the method 2501 and/or the method 2502 alsoincludes, via the DSC, simultaneously sensing the power supply signaland, based on the sensing of the power supply signal, adaptivelyinjecting the current signal that is based on the sensing of the powersupply signal into the power supply signal via the single line.

Note that the power supply of the method 2501 and/or the method 2502 maybe of any of a variety of types include any one or more of a half-wavebridge rectifier circuit, a full-wave bridge rectifier circuit, or aswitched mode power supply.

In some specific examples, note that the DSC includes a power sourcecircuit operably coupled via a single line to a connection between thepower supply and the one or more loads. When enabled, the power sourcecircuit is configured adaptively to inject an analog signal into thepower supply signal in accordance with reducing or eliminating theripple voltage component of the power supply signal to generate theconditioned power supply signal to service the one or more loads. Theanalog signal includes at least one of a DC (direct current) componentor an oscillating component. Also, a power signal change detectioncircuit operably coupled to the power source circuit. When enabled, thepower signal change detection circuit is configured to detect an effecton the analog signal that is based on an electrical characteristic of atleast one of the power supply and the one or more loads, and to generatea digital signal that is representative of the ripple voltage componentof the power supply signal.

The power source circuit also includes a power source to source at leastone of a voltage or a current via the single line to the connectionbetween the power supply and the one or more loads. Also, the powersignal change detection circuit includes a power source referencecircuit configured to provide at least one of a voltage reference or acurrent reference, and a comparator configured to compare the at leastone of the voltage and the current provided via the single line to theconnection between the power supply and the one or more loads to the atleast one of the voltage reference and the current reference to producethe analog signal.

FIG. 26A is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 2601 of powersupply adaptation using a DSC in accordance with the present invention.In this diagram, one or more processing modules 2630 interface andcommunicate with a power supply 2603 and a DSC 2628. The power supplyreference input 2605 is provided to the DSC 2628. In some examples, oneor more processing modules 2630 is configured to provide the powersupply reference input 2605. In other examples, one or more otherdevices is implemented to provide the power supply reference input 2605.

Based on a reference signal provided from the power supply referenceinput 2605, the DSC 2628 is configured to generate a power signal to beprovided to one or more loads 2640 to 2640-n based on power that isprovided from the power supply 2603. The DSC 2628 is configured toregulate a signal from a power supply to the one or more loads 2640 to2640-n. In some examples, the DSC 2628 is configured to provide thepower signal to the one or more loads 2640 to 2640-n via a single lineon which simultaneous driving and sensing performed by the DSC 2628.

In some examples, the one or more processing modules 2630 is configuredto interface with one or both of the power supply 2603 and the DSC 2628.The one or more processing modules 2630 is configured to monitor one orboth of the power supply 2603 and the DSC 2628. Also, in some examples,the one or more processing modules 2630 is configured to receiveinformation from one or both of the power supply 2603 and the DSC 2628.Also, in some examples, the one or more processing modules 2630 isconfigured to direct operation of one or both of the power supply 2603and the DSC 2628. This diagram shows one possible implementation bywhich one or more processing modules 2630 is configured to interact withan interface with a power supply 2603 and a DSC 2628 in a manner bywhich a controlled power signal may be provided to the one or more loads2640 to 2640-n. Note also that the DSC is configured to performmonitoring and detection of power signal in any effect on the powersignal from any of the one or more loads 2640 to 2640-n, the powersupply 2603 itself, and/or any other element or component that producesany effect on the power signal that is electrically coupled into thepower signal. The one or more processing modules 2630 is configured toadapt operation of one or both of the power supply 2603 and the DSC2628.

For example, in accordance with power supply adaptation in this diagram(e.g., and other in which power supply adaptation is performed), thepower supply operation itself is modified. In an example of operationand implementation, when it is determined that more power is needed fromthe power supply (e.g., based on increased one or more loads), then thepower supply is directed to adapt the output power upwards (e.g.,increase the output power appropriately) while maintaining the samevoltage to ensure that the requisite amount of power is being providedto service the one or more loads. Alternatively, when it is determinedthat lees power may be adequate from the power supply (e.g., based ondecreased one or more loads), then the power supply is directed to adaptthe output power (e.g., decrease the output power appropriately) whilemaintaining the same voltage while still ensuring that the requisiteamount of power is being provided to service the one or more loads.Generally speaking, in such embodiments in which power supply adaptationmay be performed, the power supply itself is an adaptable andconfigurable device whose operation may be modified.

Similarly, in accordance with DSC adaptation in this diagram (e.g., andother in which DSC adaptation is performed), the DSC operation itself ismodified. The operation of various components within the DSC (e.g., thepower output there from, the reference signal used including itsmagnitude, type, characteristics, parameters, frequency, phase, etc.,and/or other components) may be may be adapted based on suchconsiderations as increased one or more loads, decreased one or moreloads, etc.

Generally speaking, the one or more processing modules 2630 isconfigured to process the information received from the power supply2603 and/or the DSC 2628 to determine any adaptation that is to beperformed by any of the power supply 2603 and/or the DSC 2628 inaccordance with power supply signal conditioning of a power signal fromthe power supply 2603 to the one or more loads 2640 to 2640-n. Based onthe determination by the one or more processing modules 2630 to performsuch adaptation to ensure an effectively regulated and conditioned powersignal, the one or more processing modules 2630 directs the controland/or adaptation of one or more of the appropriate components.

FIG. 26B is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 2602 of powersupply adaptation using DSCs in accordance with the present invention.In this diagram, one or more processing modules 2632 interface andcommunicate with the DSC 2628-1 and a DSC 2628-2. The power supplyreference input 2605 is provided to the DSC 2628-1. In some examples,one or more processing modules 2632 is configured to provide the powersupply reference input 2605. In other examples, one or more otherdevices is implemented to provide the power supply reference input 2605.

Based on a reference signal provided from the power supply referenceinput 2605, the DSC 2628-1 is configured to generate a power signal tobe provided to one or more loads 2640 to 2640-n based on power that isprovided from the power supply 2603. The DSC 2628-1 is configured toregulate a signal from the power supply 2603 to the one or more loads2640 to 2640-n. In some examples, the DSC 2628 is configured to providethe power signal to the one or more loads 2640 to 2640-n via a singleline on which simultaneous driving and sensing performed by the DSC2628.

In addition, note that many other implementations, embodiments,examples, variations, etc. described herein include a DSC that isconfigured to provide a power signal to one or more loads via a singleline, such as shown in this diagram with respect to the one or moreloads 2640 to 2640. With respect to such a single line coupling orconnecting at the DSC with respect to this diagram or any other hereinwithin which a DSC is coupled or connected to one or more loads, notethat there may be different couplings or connections downstream from theDSC that provide coupling or connectivity among the various one or moreloads, yet a single line couples or connects to the DSC itself via whichsimultaneous transmit and receive operations are performed and/orsimultaneous drive and sense operations are performed. Any such DSC thatis coupled or connected to one or more other elements via a single lineis configured simultaneously to perform providing of the power signaland sensing of that power signal via the single line.

In addition, in this diagram, the DSC 2628-2 is configured to performpower supply output monitoring. The DSC 2628-2 is configured to sensethe output signal from the power supply 2603 that is used to power theDSC 2628-1. The one or more processing modules 2632 is configured tointerface and communicate with both the DSC 2628-1 and the DSC 2628-2.Based on information related to the sensing of the power supply outputsignal from the power supply 2603 that is provided to the one or moreprocessing modules 2632 via the DSC 2628-2, one or more processingmodules 2632 is configured to adapt operation of the DSC 2628-1 inaccordance with regulation of a signal from the power supply 2603 to theone or more loads 2640 to 2640-n.

In this diagram, monitoring of the power supply output signal isperformed using the DSC 2628-2, and the one or more processing modules2632 is configured to generate one or more control signals to directoperation of the DSC 2628-1 based on the power supply monitoring. Insome examples, the one or more processing modules 2632 is configured todirect the DSC 2620-1 to counter any variation of the power supplyoutput signal provided from the power supply 2603 to ensure properregulation of the signal from the power supply 2603 to the one or moreloads 2640 to 2640-n.

Generally speaking, the one or more processing modules 2632 isconfigured to process the information received from the power supply2603, the DSC 2628-1, and/or the DSC 2628-2 to determine any adaptationthat is to be performed by any of the power supply 2603, the DSC 2628-1,and/or the DSC 2628-2 in accordance with power supply signalconditioning of a power signal from the power supply 2603 to the one ormore loads 2640 to 2640-n. Based on the determination by the one or moreprocessing modules 2632 to perform such adaptation to ensure aneffectively regulated and conditioned power signal, the one or moreprocessing modules 2632 directs the control and/or adaptation of one ormore of the appropriate components. Based on the determination by theone or more processing modules 2632 to perform such adaptation to ensurean effectively regulated and conditioned power signal, the one or moreprocessing modules 2632 directs the control and/or adaptation of one ormore of the appropriate components.

FIG. 27A is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 2701 ofpower supply adaptation using a DSC in accordance with the presentinvention. In this diagram, one or more processing modules 2730interface and communicate with a power supply 2703 and a DSC 2728. Inaddition, in this diagram, the DSC 2728 is configured to perform powersupply output monitoring. The DSC 2728 is configured to sense the outputsignal from the power supply 2703 that is used to service the one ormore loads 2740 to 2740-n. The one or more processing modules 2730 isconfigured to interface and communicate with both the power supply 2703and the DSC 2728. Based on information related to the sensing of thepower supply output signal from the power supply 2703 that is providedto the one or more processing modules 2730 via the DSC 2728, one or moreprocessing modules 2730 is configured to adapt operation of the powersupply in accordance with regulation of a signal from the power supply2703 to the one or more loads 2740 to 2740-n.

This diagram shows one possible example by which control signaling isprovided from the one or more processing models 2730 to modify and adaptoperation of the power supply 2703 based on power supply monitoring.Adaptation of the operation of the power supply is performed based onthe sensing of the power supply output signal from the power supply 2703via the DSC 2728.

In one implementation of this diagram, the DSC 2728 operates as a sensorof the power supply output signal from the power supply 2703, and theone or more processing modules 2730 is configured to adapt operation ofthe power supply 2703 to ensure and effectively regulated signal isprovided from the power supply 2703 to the one or more loads 2740 to2740-n. In another implementation of this diagram, the DSC 2728 operatesas a both sensor of the power supply output signal from the power supply2703 and also as a means via which modification of the power supplyoutput signal is made based on the direction and control of the one ormore processing modules 2730. For example, in such an implementation,the one or more processing models 2730 is configured to interact withthe DSC 2728 to modify the power supply output signal from the powersupply 2703 in addition to sensing of the power supply output signalfrom the house by 2703.

Generally speaking, the one or more processing modules 2730 isconfigured to process the information received from the power supply2703 and/or the DSC 2728 to determine any adaptation that is to beperformed by the power supply 2703 and/or the DSC 2728 in accordancewith power supply signal conditioning of a power signal from the powersupply 2703 to the one or more loads 2740 to 2740-n. Based on thedetermination by the one or more processing modules 2730 to perform suchadaptation to ensure an effectively regulated and conditioned powersignal, the one or more processing modules 2730 directs the controland/or adaptation of one or more of the appropriate components.

FIG. 27B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 2702 ofpower supply adaptation using DSCs in accordance with the presentinvention. In this diagram, one or more processing modules 2730interface and communicate with a power supply 2703, a DSC 2738-1, and aDSC 2728-2. A power supply reference input 2705 is provided to the DSC2728-1. In some examples, one or more processing modules 2730 isconfigured to provide the power supply reference input 2705. In otherexamples, one or more other devices is implemented to provide the powersupply reference input 2705.

Based on a reference signal provided from the power supply referenceinput 2705, the DSC 2728-1 is configured to generate a power signal tobe provided to one or more loads 2740 to 2740-n based on power that isprovided from the power supply 2703. The DSC 2728-1 is configured toregulate a signal from the power supply 2703 to the one or more loads2740 to 2740-n. In some examples, the DSC 2728 is configured to providethe power signal to the one or more loads 2740 to 2740-n via a singleline on which simultaneous driving and sensing performed by the DSC2728.

In addition, in this diagram, the DSC 2728-2 is configured to performpower supply output monitoring. The DSC 2728-2 is configured to sensethe output signal from the power supply 2703 that is used to service theone or more loads 2740 to 2740-n. The one or more processing modules2730 is configured to interface and communicate with both the powersupply 2703 and the DSC 2728-2 as well as with the DSC 2728-1. Based oninformation related to the sensing of the power supply output signalfrom the power supply 2703 that is provided to the one or moreprocessing modules 2730 via the DSC 2728-2, the one or more processingmodules 2730 is configured to adapt operation of the power supply inaccordance with regulation of a signal from the power supply 2703 to theone or more loads 2740 to 2740-n.

Note that the one or more processing modules 2732 is configured toreceive information from and provide information to any one or more ofthe power supply 2703, the DSC 2728-1, and the DSC 2728-2. The one ormore processing modules 2732 is configured to direct operation of anyone or more of the power supply 2703, the DSC 2728-1, and the DSC 2728-2based on information that is provided to it from any one of thesecomponents. The one or more processing modules 2732 is configured toperform adaptation of any one or more of the power supply 2703, the DSC2728-1, and the DSC 2728-2 in accordance with providing a regulatedsignal from the power supply 2703 to the one or more loads 2740 to2740-n.

Generally speaking, the one or more processing modules 2732 isconfigured to process the information received from the power supply2703, the DSC 2728-1, and/or the DSC 2728-2 to determine any adaptationthat is to be performed by any of the power supply 2703, the DSC 2728-1,and/or the DSC 2728-2 in accordance with power supply signalconditioning of a power signal from the power supply 2703 to the one ormore loads 2740 to 2740-n. Based on the determination by the one or moreprocessing modules 2732 to perform such adaptation to ensure aneffectively regulated and conditioned power signal, the one or moreprocessing modules 2732 directs the control and/or adaptation of one ormore of the appropriate components.

FIG. 28A is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 2801 ofpower supply adaptation using a DSC in accordance with the presentinvention. In this diagram, one or more processing modules 2830interface and communicate with a power supply 2803, an analog to digitalconverter (ADC) 2810, a digital to analog converter (DAC) 2812, and aDSC 2828. A power supply reference input 2805 is provided to the DSC2828. In some examples, one or more processing modules 2830 isconfigured to provide the power supply reference input 2805. In otherexamples, one or more other devices is implemented to provide the powersupply reference input 2805.

Based on a reference signal provided from the power supply referenceinput 2805, the DSC 2828 is configured to generate a power signal to beprovided to one or more loads 2840 to 2840-n based on power that isprovided from the power supply 2803. The DSC 2828 is configured toregulate a signal from the power supply 2803 to the one or more loads2840 to 2840-n. In some examples, the DSC 2828 is configured to providethe power signal to the one or more loads 2840 to 2840-n via a singleline on which simultaneous driving and sensing performed by the DSC2828.

In this diagram, the one or more processing modules 2830 receivesdigital information corresponding to the output signal from the powersupply 2803 via the ADC 2810. The one or more processing modules 2830 isconfigured to process the digital information corresponding to theoutput signal from the power supply 2803 that is received via the ADC2810 to determine what possible modifications, compensations,processing, etc. may be appropriate to perform to the output signal fromthe power supply 2803 (e.g., based on comparison of the output signalfrom the power supply 2903 to or more output signal parameters,considerations, etc.). When such modification, compensation, processing,etc., is determined to be appropriate (e.g., based on an unfavorablecomparison of the output signal from the power supply 2803 to or moreoutput signal parameters, considerations, etc.), the one or moreprocessing modules 2830 is configured to generate a digital signal thatis provided to the DAC 2812 to direct to the DAC 2812 to generate ananalog signal to be combined with the output signal from the powersupply 2803. The combination of the analog signal from the DAC 2812 withthe output signal from the power supply 2803 is configured to compensatefor any deleterious effects within the output signal from the powersupply 2803 in accordance with regulation of a signal from the powersupply 2803 to the one or more loads 2840 to 2840-n. In someembodiments, alternatively to or in combination with the operationsassociated with the DAC 2812, the one or more processing modules 2830 isconfigured to modify operation of the DSC 2828 in accordance withregulation of a signal from the power supply 2803 to the one or moreloads 2840 to 2840-n.

With respect to FIG. 28A, monitoring of the output signal from the powersupply 2803 is performed using an ADC 2810. As may be determined basedon processing of input signals received by the one or more processingmodules 2830, power supply output signal adaptation is performed usingone or both of the DAC 2812 and the DSC 2828. From certain perspectives,this diagram shows an example by which noise and/or interferencesubtraction from the output signal the power supply is performed usingthe one or more processing modules 2830, the ADC 2810, and the DAC 2812.In some alternative examples, such noise and/or interference subtractionfrom the output signal the power supply is performed using the one ormore processing modules 2830, the ADC 2810, and one of both of the DAC2812 and the DSC 2828.

Generally speaking, the one or more processing modules 2830 isconfigured to process the information received from the ADC 2810 and/orthe DSC 2828-1 to determine any adaptation that is to be performed byany of the power supply 2803, the DAC 2812, and/or the DSC 2828 inaccordance with power supply signal conditioning of a power signal fromthe power supply 2803 to the one or more loads 2840 to 2840-n. Based onthe determination by the one or more processing modules 2830 to performsuch adaptation to ensure an effectively regulated and conditioned powersignal, the one or more processing modules 2830 directs the controland/or adaptation of one or more of the appropriate components.

FIG. 28B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 2802 ofpower supply adaptation using DSCs in accordance with the presentinvention. In this diagram, one or more processing modules 2830interface and communicate with a power supply 2803, an analog to digitalconverter (ADC) 2810, a DSC 2828-1, and a DSC 2828-2. A power supplyreference input 2805 is provided to the DSC 2828. In some examples, oneor more processing modules 2830 is configured to provide the powersupply reference input 2805. In other examples, one or more otherdevices is implemented to provide the power supply reference input 2805.

Based on a reference signal provided from the power supply referenceinput 2805, the DSC 2828-1 is configured to generate a power signal tobe provided to one or more loads 2840 to 2840-n based on power that isprovided from the power supply 2803. The DSC 2828-2 is configured toregulate a signal from the power supply 2803 to the one or more loads2840 to 2840-n. In some examples, the DSC 2828-1 is configured toprovide the power signal to the one or more loads 2840 to 2840-n via asingle line on which simultaneous driving and sensing performed by theDSC 2828-1.

In this diagram, the one or more processing modules 2830 receivesdigital information corresponding to the output signal from the powersupply 2803 via the ADC 2810. The one or more processing modules 2830 isconfigured to process the digital information corresponding to theoutput signal from the power supply 2803 that is received via the ADC2810 to determine what possible modifications, compensations,processing, etc. may be appropriate to perform to the output signal fromthe power supply 2803 (e.g., based on comparison of the output signalfrom the power supply 2903 to or more output signal parameters,considerations, etc.). When such modification, compensation, processing,etc., is determined to be appropriate (e.g., based on an unfavorablecomparison of the output signal from the power supply 2803 to or moreoutput signal parameters, considerations, etc.), the one or moreprocessing modules 2830 is configured to direct to the DSC 2828-2 todrive another analog signal into the output signal of the power supply2003 in accordance with regulation of a signal from the power supply2803 to the one or more loads 2840 to 2840-n. For example, in someembodiments, the one or more processing modules 2832 is configured todirect the DSC 2828-2 to drive a signal to be combined with the outputsignal from the power supply 2803 to ensure that a regulated signal isprovided to the DSC 2828-1.

The combination of the analog signal from the DSC 2828-2 with the outputsignal from the power supply 2803 is configured to compensate for anydeleterious effects within the output signal from the power supply 2803in accordance with regulation of a signal from the power supply 2803 tothe one or more loads 2840 to 2840-n. In some embodiments, alternativelyto or in combination with the operations associated with the DAC 2812-2,the one or more processing modules 2830 is configured to modifyoperation of the DSC 2828-1 in accordance with regulation of a signalfrom the power supply 2803 to the one or more loads 2840 to 2840-n.

With respect to FIG. 28B, monitoring of the output signal from the powersupply 2803 is also performed using an ADC 2810. As may be determinedbased on processing of input signals received by the one or moreprocessing modules 2830, power supply output signal adaptation isperformed using one or both of the DSC 2828-2 and the DSC 2828-2. Fromcertain perspectives, this diagram shows an example by which noiseand/or interference subtraction from the output signal the power supplyis performed using the one or more processing modules 2830, the ADC2810, and the DSC 2828-2. In some alternative examples, such noiseand/or interference subtraction from the output signal the power supplyis performed using the one or more processing modules 2830, the ADC2810, and one of both of the DSC 2828-2 and the DSC 2828-1.

In addition, with respect to either of the FIG. 28A and the FIG. 28B,note that communication and interfacing may be implemented between theone or more processing modules 2830 in the power supply 2803 as well. Insome examples, the one or more processing modules 2830 is alsoconfigured to adapt operation of the power supply 2803 based oninformation it receives via sensing via one or more of the DSCsimplemented therein. In addition, and some examples, the one or moreprocessing modules 2830 is also configured to receive information fromthe power supply 2803 and to use it to adapt operation of the powersupply 2803 and/or any of the one or more of the DSCs implementedtherein.

Generally speaking, the one or more processing modules 2832 isconfigured to process the information received from the ADC 2810 and/orthe DSC 2828-1 to determine any adaptation that is to be performed byany of the power supply 2803 and/or the DSCs 2828-1 and/or 2828-2 inaccordance with power supply signal conditioning of a power signal fromthe power supply 2803 to the one or more loads 2840 to 2840-n. Based onthe determination by the one or more processing modules 2832 to performsuch adaptation to ensure an effectively regulated and conditioned powersignal, the one or more processing modules 2832 directs the controland/or adaptation of one or more of the appropriate components.

FIG. 29A is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 2901 ofpower supply adaptation using DSCs in accordance with the presentinvention. In this diagram, one or more processing modules 2930interface and communicate with a power supply 2903, a DSC 2928-1, and aDSC 2928. A power supply reference input 2905 is provided to the DSC2928. In some examples, one or more processing modules 2930 isconfigured to provide the power supply reference input 2905. In otherexamples, one or more other devices is implemented to provide the powersupply reference input 2905.

The power supply 2903 is configured to generate a power signal to beprovided to one or more loads 2940 to 2940-n. In this diagram, the oneor more processing modules 2930 receives information (e.g., digitaland/or analog) corresponding to the output signal from the power supply2903 via the ADC 2910. The one or more processing modules 2930 isconfigured to process the information corresponding to the output signalfrom the power supply 2903 to determine what possible modifications,compensations, processing, etc. may be appropriate to perform to theoutput signal from the power supply 2903 (e.g., based on comparison ofthe output signal from the power supply 2903 to or more output signalparameters, considerations, etc.). When such modification, compensation,processing, etc., is determined to be appropriate (e.g., based on anunfavorable comparison of the output signal from the power supply 2903to or more output signal parameters, considerations, etc.), the one ormore processing modules 2930 is configured to direct to the DSC 2928-1to drive another analog signal into the output signal of the powersupply 2003 in accordance with regulation of a signal from the powersupply 2903 to the one or more loads 2940 to 2940-n. For example, insome embodiments, the one or more processing modules 2932 is configuredto direct the DAC 2928-1 to drive a signal to be combined with theoutput signal from the power supply 2903 to ensure that a regulatedsignal is provided to the one or more loads 2940 to 2940-n.

With respect to FIG. 29A, monitoring of the output signal from the powersupply 2903 is performed using a DSC 2928-1. As may be determined basedon processing of input signals received by the one or more processingmodules 2930, power supply output signal adaptation is performed usingDSC 2928. From certain perspectives, this diagram shows an example bywhich noise and/or interference subtraction from the output signal thepower supply is performed using the one or more processing modules 2930,the DSC 2928-1, and the DSC 2928.

Generally speaking, the one or more processing modules 2930 isconfigured to process the information received from the DSCs 2928-1and/or 2928-2 to determine any adaptation that is to be performed by anyof the power supply 2903 and/or the DSCs 2928-1 and/or 2928-2 inaccordance with power supply signal conditioning of a power signal fromthe power supply 2903 to the one or more loads 2940 to 2940-n. Based onthe determination by the one or more processing modules 2930 to performsuch adaptation to ensure an effectively regulated and conditioned powersignal, the one or more processing modules 2932 directs the controland/or adaptation of one or more of the appropriate components. Based onthe determination by the one or more processing modules 293- to performsuch adaptation to ensure an effectively regulated and conditioned powersignal, the one or more processing modules 2930 directs the controland/or adaptation of one or more of the appropriate components.

FIG. 29B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 2902 ofpower supply adaptation using DSCs in accordance with the presentinvention. In this diagram, one or more processing modules 2930interface and communicate with a power supply 2903, a DSC 2928-4, a DSC2928-3, and a DSC 2928-2. A power supply reference input 2905 isprovided to the DSC 2928-2. In some examples, one or more processingmodules 2930 is configured to provide the power supply reference input2905. In other examples, one or more other devices is implemented toprovide the power supply reference input 2905.

Based on a reference signal provided from the power supply referenceinput 2905, the DSC 2928-2 is configured to generate a power signal tobe provided to one or more loads 2940 to 2940-n based on power that isprovided from the power supply 2903. The DSC 2928-2 is configured toregulate a signal from the power supply 2903 to the one or more loads2940 to 2940-n. In some examples, the DSC 2928-2 is configured toprovide the power signal to the one or more loads 2940 to 2940-n via asingle line on which simultaneous driving and sensing performed by theDSC 2928-2.

In this diagram, the one or more processing modules 2930 receivesdigital information corresponding to the output signal from the powersupply 2903 via the DSC 2928-4. The one or more processing modules 2930is configured to process the digital information corresponding to theoutput signal from the power supply 2903 that is received via the DSC2928-4 to determine what possible modifications, compensations,processing, etc. may be appropriate to perform to the output signal fromthe power supply 2903 (e.g., based on comparison of the output signalfrom the power supply 2903 to or more output signal parameters,considerations, etc.). When such modification, compensation, processing,etc., is determined to be appropriate (e.g., based on an unfavorablecomparison of the output signal from the power supply 2903 to or moreoutput signal parameters, considerations, etc.), the one or moreprocessing modules 2930 is configured to direct to the DSC 2928-3 todrive another analog signal into the output signal of the power supply2003 in accordance with regulation of a signal from the power supply2903 to the one or more loads 2940 to 2940-n. For example, in someembodiments, the one or more processing modules 2932 is configured todirect the DAC 2928-3 to drive a signal to be combined with the outputsignal from the power supply 2903 to ensure that a regulated signal isprovided to the DSC 2928-1.

The combination of the analog signal from the DSC 2928-3 with the outputsignal from the power supply 2903 is configured to compensate for anydeleterious effects within the output signal from the power supply 2903in accordance with regulation of a signal from the power supply 2903 tothe one or more loads 2940 to 2940-n. In some embodiments, alternativelyto or in combination with the operations associated with the DAC 2912-2,the one or more processing modules 2930 is configured to modifyoperation of the DSC 2928-2 in accordance with regulation of a signalfrom the power supply 2903 to the one or more loads 2940 to 2940-n.

With respect to FIG. 29B, monitoring of the output signal from the powersupply 2903 is also performed using a DSC 2928-4. As may be determinedbased on processing of input signals received by the one or moreprocessing modules 2930, power supply output signal adaptation isperformed using one or both of the DSC 2928-3 and the DSC 2928-2. Fromcertain perspectives, this diagram shows an example by which noiseand/or interference subtraction from the output signal the power supplyis performed using the one or more processing modules 2930, the DSC2928-4, the DSC 2928-3, and the DSC 2928-2. In some alternativeexamples, such noise and/or interference subtraction from the outputsignal the power supply is performed using the one or more processingmodules 2930, the DSC 2928-4, and one of both of the DSC 2928-3 and theDSC 2928-2.

In addition, with respect to either of the FIG. 29A and the FIG. 29B,note that communication and interfacing may be implemented between theone or more processing modules 2930 in the power supply 2903 as well. Insome examples, the one or more processing modules 2930 is alsoconfigured to adapt operation of the power supply 2903 based oninformation it receives via sensing via one or more of the DSCsimplemented therein. In addition, and some examples, the one or moreprocessing modules 2930 is also configured to receive information fromthe power supply 2903 and to use it to adapt operation of the powersupply 2903 and/or any of the one or more of the DSCs implementedtherein.

Generally speaking, the one or more processing modules 2932 isconfigured to process the information received from any one or more ofthe DSCs 2928-4, 2928-3, and/or 2928-2 to determine any adaptation thatis to be performed by any of the power supply 2903 and/or the DSCs2928-4, 2928-3, and/or 2928-2 in accordance with power supply signalconditioning of a power signal from the power supply 2903 to the one ormore loads 2940 to 2940-n. Based on the determination by the one or moreprocessing modules 2932 to perform such adaptation to ensure aneffectively regulated and conditioned power signal, the one or moreprocessing modules 2932 directs the control and/or adaptation of one ormore of the appropriate components.

FIG. 30A is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 3001 ofpower supply adaptation using a DSC in accordance with the presentinvention. In this diagram, a power supply reference input 3005 isprovided to a DSC 3028. In some examples, one or more processing modulesis configured to provide the power supply reference input 3005. In otherexamples, one or more other devices is implemented to provide the powersupply reference input 3005.

Based on the reference signal provided from the power supply referenceinput 3005, the DSC 3028 is configured to generate a power signal to beprovided to one or more loads 3040 to 3040-n based on power that isprovided from a power supply 3003. The DSC 3028 is configured toregulate a signal from the power supply 3003 to the one or more loads3040 to 3040-n. In some examples, the DSC 3028 is configured to providethe power signal to the one or more loads 3040 to 3040-n via a singleline on which simultaneous driving and sensing performed by the DSC3028.

In addition to receiving power signal from the power supply 3003, theDSC 3028 configured to process the power signal from the power supply3003 and to generate a digital signal that is representative of any oneor more effects of loading on the power supply signal from the powersupply 3003 by the one or more loads 3040 to 3040-n. For example,depending upon the loading on the power supply signal from the powersupply 3003 by the one or more loads 3040 to 3040-n, the power supplysignal may suffer any one or more deleterious effects including thosedescribed herein.

The DSC 3028 is configured to process the power supply reference input3005 and it generate the power signal to be provided to the one or moreloads 3040 to 3040-n based on power that is provided from the powersupply 3003. In some alternative embodiments, interfacing between thepower supply 3005 and the power supply reference input 3005 is alsoperformed implemented. In this diagram, a regulated power signal that isbased on the power that is provided from the power supply 3003 isprovided to the one or more loads 3040 to 3040-n via the DSC 3028.

FIG. 30B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 3002 ofpower supply adaptation using a DSC in accordance with the presentinvention. In this diagram, a power supply reference input 3005 isprovided to a DSC 3028-1 via a reference generator 3017. The referencegenerator 3017 is configured to generate a reference signal for the DSC3028-1 based on the power supply reference input 3005. In some examples,the reference generator 3017 is implemented as a voltage divider, suchas might be implemented using two or more impedances, to generate thereference signal is provided to the DSC 3028-1. In other examples, thereference generator 3017 is implemented as a coupler that generates thereference signal based on the power supply reference input 3005. In someexamples, one or more processing modules is configured to provide thepower supply reference input 3005. In other examples, one or more otherdevices is implemented to provide the power supply reference input 3005.

Based on the reference signal provided from the power supply referenceinput 3005, the DSC 3028-1 is configured to generate a power signal tobe provided to one or more loads 3040 to 3040-n based on power that isprovided from a power supply 3003. The DSC 3028 is configured toregulate a signal from the power supply 3003 to the one or more loads3040 to 3040-n. In some examples, the DSC 3028-1 is configured toprovide the power signal to the one or more loads 3040 to 3040-n via asingle line on which simultaneous driving and sensing performed by theDSC 3028-1.

In addition to receiving power signal from the power supply 3003, theDSC 3028 configured to process the power signal from the power supply3003 and to generate a digital signal that is representative of any oneor more effects of loading on the power supply signal from the powersupply 3003 by the one or more loads 3040 to 3040-n. For example,depending upon the loading on the power supply signal from the powersupply 3003 by the one or more loads 3040 to 3040-n, the power supplysignal may suffer any one or more deleterious effects including thosedescribed herein.

The DSC 3028 is configured to process the power supply reference input3005 and it generate the power signal to be provided to the one or moreloads 3040 to 3040-n based on power that is provided from the powersupply 3003. In some alternative embodiments, interfacing between thepower supply 3005 and the power supply reference input 3005 is alsoperformed implemented. In this diagram, a regulated power signal that isbased on the power that is provided from the power supply 3003 isprovided to the one or more loads 3040 to 3040-n via the DSC 3028.

In this diagram, a DSC 3028 includes a regulation circuit 3012 includesa feedback circuit 3013, a power source circuit 3010, and a comparator3015. An analog signal output from the comparator 3015, when comparingthe power signal that is provided from the power source circuit 3010 tothe one or more loads 3040 to 3040-n and any effect thereof to thereference signal received from the reference generator 3017, is providedto the feedback circuit 3013 of the regulation circuit 3012. Theregulation circuit 3012 provides a digital signal that is representativeof the loading of the one or more loads 3040 to 3040-n to the powersupply 3003. The power supply 3003 is configured to process the digitalsignal received from the regulation circuit 3012 to determine anyadaptation to be performed in accordance with providing an output powersupply signal from the power supply 3003 to the power source circuit3010 of the DSC 3028-1. In some examples, the power supply 3003 includesone or more processing modules therein that are configured to processthe digital signal received from the regulation circuit 3012 todetermine any adaptation to be performed in accordance with providing anoutput power supply signal from the power supply 3003 to the powersource circuit 3010 of the DSC 3028-1.

The analog signal output from the comparator 3015 is provided to thefeedback circuit 3013 of the regulation circuit 3012 to generate asignal to be provided to the power source circuit 3010 to modifyoperation of the power source circuit 3010 to ensure that the powersignal provided to the one or more loads 3040 to 3040-n is regulated tobe same as the reference signal received by the comparator 3015 from thereference generator 3017.

FIG. 31 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 3100 of powersupply adaptation using a DSC in accordance with the present invention.In this diagram, a power supply 3105 provides a signal to one or moreloads 3140 to 3140-n. A DSC 3128 is configured to perform monitoring ofthe power signal provided from the power supply 3105 and to perform oneor both of injection of a signal into the power signal provided from thepower supply 3105 and generation of a digital signal that isrepresentative of any deleterious effects of the power signal providedfrom the power supply 3105. For example, the power signal provided fromthe power supply 3105 may be adversely affected due to certainoperations performed by the power supply 3105 such as AC-DC conversion,rectification, etc. and may include a rippled signal. One or moreprocessing modules 3130 is configured to receive the digital signal thatis representative of any deleterious effects of the power signalprovided from the power supply 3105 as has been generated by the DSC3128.

The DSC 3128 includes a dependent current supply 3117. The dependentcurrent supply 3117 is controlled by an output signal that is based onoperation of a comparator 3115 that compares a reference signal to theoutput signal from the power supply 3105. As described previously, somesignals output from power supplies may include one or more adverseeffects, such as a ripple. In general, any deleterious effect on outputsignal from a power supply may be reduced or eliminated using theprocessing of a DSC 3128 and/or the one or more processing modules 3130is configured to adapt operation of the power supply 3105 as describedin this diagram.

A power supply 3105 outputs a signal and provides it to one or moreloads 3140 to 3140-n. A filtering capacitor, C, may be implemented tofilter the signal that is output from the power supply. The DSC 3128 isconfigured simultaneously to sense the signal output from the powersupply and to modify the signal output from this power supply, as may beneeded, to facilitate power supply signal conditioning. In someinstances, the DSC 3128 interacts with a coupling or connection betweenthe power supply 3105 and the one or more loads 3140 to 3140-n viamultiple connection points. In other instances, the DSC 3128 interactswith a coupling or connection between the power supply 3105 and the oneor more loads 3140 to 3140-n via a single connection/coupling. That isto say, in such an example, the DSC 3128 connects for couples to thecoupling or connection between the power supply 3105 and the one or moreloads 3140 to 3140-n via a single line. As described herein, any desiredimplementation of a DSC may be made such that the DSC is configuredsimultaneously to transmit and receive via a single line, orsimultaneously to sense and drive a signal via the single line.

In an example of operation and implementation, the output signal fromthe power supply is passed through a low pass filter (LPF) 3102 thatoutputs a reference signal as one of the inputs to comparator 3115 ofthe DSC 3128. In addition, the output signal from the power supplyitself is provided as the other input to the comparator 3115 of the DSC3128. The comparator 3115 compares the reference signal and the outputsignal from the power supply to generate a signal that is provided to anADC 3160 that processes that signal to generate a digital signal that isrepresentative of any effect of the output signal from the power supply.For example, when the output signal from the power supply includes aripple component, the digital signal output from the ADC 3160 includes adigital representation of that ripple voltage. As also described herein,note that the amount of ripple in the output signal from the powersupply will be a function of the one or more loads 3140 to 3140-n.

In this diagram, the digital signal that is representative of the ripplevoltage is passed through a DAC 3162 to generate an analog controlsignal that is provided to the dependent current supply 3117 that isconfigured to drive a current signal into the output signal from thepower supply to reduce or eliminate any deleterious effect of the outputsignal from the power supply. For example, when the output signal fromthe power supply includes a ripple component, the dependent currentsupply 3117 is configured to drive the current into the output signalfrom the power supply to reduce or eliminate that ripple component andensure a stable, regulated, etc. output signal from the power supply tobe provided to the one or more loads 3140 to 3140-n.

In an example of operation and implementation, this diagram includes apower supply signal conditioning system as well as a power supplymonitoring and sensing system that includes the power supply 3105, theDSC 3228, and the one or more processing modules 3130. The power supply3105 is operably coupled to the one or more loads 3140 to 3140-n. Also,when enabled, the power supply is configured to output a power supplysignal having a DC (direct current) voltage component and a ripplevoltage component that is based on conversion of an AC (alternatingcurrent) signal in accordance with generating the power supply signal.

The DSC 3128 is operably coupled to the power supply 3105. When enabled,the DSC 3128 configured simultaneously to sense the power supply signaland, based on sensing of the power supply signal, adaptively to processthe power supply signal in accordance with reducing or eliminating theripple voltage component of the power supply signal to generate aconditioned power supply signal to service the one or more loads 3140 to3140-n. In addition, when enabled, the DSC 3128 configured to generate adigital signal that is representative of any deleterious effects of theoutput signal from the power supply 3105 to be provided to the one ormore processing modules 3130 is configured to perform appropriateadaptation of the operation of the power supply 3105 as well inaccordance with reducing or eliminating the ripple voltage component ofthe power supply signal to generate the conditioned power supply signalto service the one or more loads 3140 to 3140-n.

Generally speaking, the one or more processing modules 3130 isconfigured to process the information received from the DSC 3128 todetermine any adaptation that is to be performed by any of the powersupply 3103 and/or the DSC 3128 that is the two or more cascaded DSCsthat are implemented between the power supply 3103 and the one or moreloads 3140 to 3140-n in accordance with multi-staged DSCs signalconditioning of a power signal from the power supply 3103 to the one ormore loads 3140 to 3140-n.

FIG. 32 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 3200 of powersupply adaptation using a DSC in accordance with the present invention.This diagram is very similar to the prior diagram with at least onedifference being that the output from the comparator 3115 is fed to theADC 3160 and also is fed directly to the dependent current supply 3117without passing through a feedback path that includes an ADC and a DAC.In such examples, note that the output from the comparator 3115 is thesignal that controls the dependent current supply 3117.

FIG. 33 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method3300 for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the presentinvention. The method 3300 operates in step 3310 by outputting, from apower supply operably coupled to one or more loads, a power supplysignal having a DC (direct current) voltage component and a ripplevoltage component that is based on conversion of an AC (alternatingcurrent) signal in accordance with generating the power supply signal.

In some alternative variants of the method 3300, via a drive-sensecircuit (DSC) operably coupled to the power supply, the method 3300operates in the optional step 3320 by simultaneously sensing the powersupply signal and, based on the sensing of the power supply signal,adaptively processing the power supply signal in accordance withreducing or eliminating the ripple voltage component of the power supplysignal to generate a conditioned power supply signal to service the oneor more loads.

Also, in some other alternative variants of the method 3300, via a DSCoperably coupled to the power supply, the method 3300 operates in step3321 by simultaneously sensing the power supply signal and adaptivelyinjecting a current signal that is based on the sensing of the powersupply signal into the power supply signal in accordance with reducingor eliminating the ripple voltage component of the power supply signalto generate the conditioned power supply signal to service the one ormore loads.

The method 3300 also operates in step 3330, via a DSC operably coupledto the power supply, by generating a digital signal that isrepresentative of any non-uniformity of the power supply signal (e.g.,ripple, harmonic glitches, voltage sag, etc.). The method 3300 alsooperates in step 3340 by adapting operation of the power supply, basedon the digital signal, in accordance with reducing or eliminating thenon-uniformity of the power supply signal to generate a conditionedpower supply signal to service the one or more loads.

FIG. 34A is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 3401 ofmulti-stage power supply signal conditioning using DSCs in accordancewith the present invention. In this diagram, the power supply 3403provides a power signal to a DSC 3428. In some examples, the powersupply 3403 also provides a reference signal to the DSC 3428. Two ormore cascaded DSCs are implemented between the power supply 3403 and oneor more loads 3440 to 3440-n. The DSC 3428 is configured to provide apower signal to DSC 3428-1 and simultaneously sense the power signalthat is provided to the DSC 3428-1. Such multi-stage power supply signalconditioning using DSCs may be implemented for a variety ofapplications. In some examples, the different respective DSC of themulti-stage power supply signal conditioning using DSCs operate asback-ups to one another such as in the event that any power failure toone of the DSCs may be compensated for by power provided by one or moreother of the DSCs. Consider an example in which the DSCs are energizedbased on different respective batteries. A failure of one or more of thebatteries will not adversely affect the overall system, in that, one ormore other of the DSCs is configured to fulfil any power requirementthat is not being met by such a failure of one or more of the batteries.

Depending on the number of DSCs that are implemented between the powersupply 3403 and the one or more loads 3440 to 3440-n being more thantwo, the DSC 3428-1 is configured to provide another power signal toanother DSC in the cascaded chain of DSCs between the power supply 3403and the one or more loads 3440 to 3440-n and simultaneously sense theother power signal that is provided to this other DSC. The final DSC andthe cascaded chain of DSCs that is implemented between the power supply3403 and the one or more loads 3440 to 3440-n (e.g., DSC 3428-2) isconfigured to provide a power signal to the one or more loads 3440 to3440-n and also simultaneously to sense the power signal that isprovided to the one or more loads 3440 to 3440-n.

Note that the cascaded chain of DSCs is operative to perform multi-stagepower supply signal conditioning of the output signal of the powersupply 3403. Generally speaking, any desired number of stages or DSCsmay be implemented in the cascaded chain of DSCs that is implementedbetween the power supply 3403 and the one or more loads 3440 to 3440-n.The regulation and control of the power supply signal that is ultimatelyprovided to the one or more loads 3440 to 3440-n (e.g., via a singleline from the DSC 3428-2 to the one or more loads 3440 to 3440-n)undergoes conditioning and regulation over multiple stages.

FIG. 34B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 3402 ofmulti-stage power supply signal conditioning using DSCs in accordancewith the present invention. In this diagram, a first power supplyreference input 3405 is provided to a DSC 3428-3, and a second powersupply reference input, which is provided from a reference generator3417 that is coupled to the 3428-3, is provided to a DSC 3428-4. In someexamples, one or more processing modules is configured to provide thepower supply reference input 3405. In other examples, one or more otherdevices is implemented to provide the power supply reference input 3405.In even other examples, the power supply 3403 is implemented to providethe power supply reference input 3405.

In addition, a power supply 3403 provides a power signal to a DSC3428-3. The DSC 3428-3 is configured to provide a power signal to theDSC 3428-4 and simultaneously sense the power signal that is provided tothe DSC 3428-4. Also, this power signal that is provided from the DSC3428-3 to the DSC 3428-4 is also provided to the reference generator3417. The reference generator 3417 processes the power signal togenerate the second power supply reference input and provides it to theDSC 3428-4.

Depending on the number of DSCs that are implemented between the powersupply 3403 and the one or more loads 3440 to 3440-n being more thantwo, the DSC 3428-3 is configured to provide another power signal toanother DSC in the cascaded chain of DSCs between the power supply 3403and the one or more loads 3440 to 3440-n and simultaneously sense theother power signal that is provided to this other DSC. The final DSC andthe cascaded chain of DSCs that is implemented between the power supply3403 and the one or more loads 3440 to 3440-n (e.g., DSC 3428-4) isconfigured to provide a power signal to the one or more loads 3440 to3440-n and also simultaneously to sense the power signal that isprovided to the one or more loads 3440 to 3440-n.

In this diagram, each of the DSCs includes a regulation circuit 3412includes a feedback circuit 3413, a power source circuit 3410, and acomparator 3415. Considering the operation of the DSC 3428-3, an analogsignal output from the comparator 3415, when comparing the power signalthat is provided from the power source circuit 3410 to the power sourcecircuit 3410 of the DSC 3428-4 and also to the reference generator 3417and any effect thereof to the reference signal received from the powersupply reference input 3405, is provided to the feedback circuit 3413 ofthe regulation circuit 3412. The analog signal output from thecomparator 3415 is provided to the feedback circuit 3413 of theregulation circuit 3412 to generate a signal to be provided to the powersource circuit 3410 to modify operation of the power source circuit 3410to ensure that the power signal provided to the power source circuit3410 of the DSC 3428-4 and also to the reference generator 3417 isregulated to be same as the first reference signal received by thecomparator 3415 from the power supply reference input 3405.

Considering the operation of the DSC 3428-4 (e.g., considering to DSCsin the cascaded chain of DSCs that are implemented between the powersupply 3403 and the one or more loads 3440 to 3440-n), an analog signaloutput from the comparator 3415, when comparing the power signal that isprovided from the power source circuit 3410 to the one or more loads3440 to 3440-n and any effect thereof to the reference signal receivedfrom the reference generator 3417, is provided to the feedback circuit3413 of the regulation circuit 3412. The analog signal output from thecomparator 3415 is provided to the feedback circuit 3413 of theregulation circuit 3412 to generate a signal to be provided to the powersource circuit 3410 to modify operation of the power source circuit 3410to ensure that the power signal provided to the one or more loads 3440to 3440-n is regulated to be same as the reference signal received bythe comparator 3415 from the reference generator 3417.

Generally speaking, any desired number of stages or DSCs may beimplemented in the cascaded chain of DSCs that is implemented betweenthe power supply 3403 and the one or more loads 3440 to 3440-n. Theregulation and control of the power supply signal that is ultimatelyprovided to the one or more loads 3440 to 3440-n (e.g., via a singleline from the DSC 3428-2 to the one or more loads 3440 to 3440-n)undergoes conditioning and regulation over multiple stages.

FIG. 35 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 3500 ofmulti-stage power supply signal conditioning using DSCs in accordancewith the present invention. In this diagram, one or more processingmodules 3530 using communication and interfaces with each of a powersupply 3505 and a number of cascaded DSCs that are implemented betweenthe power supply 3403 and one or more loads 3440 to 3440-n.

Also, the power supply 3403 provides a power signal to the DSC 3428. Insome examples, the power supply 3403 also provides a reference signal tothe DSC 3428. In some examples, the one or more processing modules 3530is configured to provide a reference signal to the DSC 3428 and/orprovide additional respective reference signals to the other DSCs withinthe cascaded chain of DSCs that are implemented between the power supply3403 and one or more loads 3440 to 3440-n. Note that DSCs areimplemented between the power supply 3403 and one or more loads 3440 to3440-n. The DSC 3428 is configured to provide a power signal to DSC3428-1 and simultaneously sense the power signal that is provided to theDSC 3428-1.

Depending on the number of DSCs that are implemented between the powersupply 3403 and the one or more loads 3440 to 3440-n being more thantwo, the DSC 3428-1 is configured to provide another power signal toanother DSC in the cascaded chain of DSCs between the power supply 3403and the one or more loads 3440 to 3440-n and simultaneously sense theother power signal that is provided to this other DSC. The final DSC andthe cascaded chain of DSCs that is implemented between the power supply3403 and the one or more loads 3440 to 3440-n (e.g., DSC 3428-2) isconfigured to provide a power signal to the one or more loads 3440 to3440-n and also simultaneously to sense the power signal that isprovided to the one or more loads 3440 to 3440-n.

Note that the cascaded chain of DSCs is operative to perform multi-stagepower supply signal conditioning of the output signal of the powersupply 3403. Generally speaking, any desired number of stages or DSCsmay be implemented in the cascaded chain of DSCs that is implementedbetween the power supply 3403 and the one or more loads 3440 to 3440-n.The regulation and control of the power supply signal that is ultimatelyprovided to the one or more loads 3440 to 3440-n (e.g., via a singleline from the DSC 3428-2 to the one or more loads 3440 to 3440-n)undergoes conditioning and regulation over multiple stages.

In addition, the one or more processing modules 3530 is configured toreceive information from and/or direct the operation of each of thepower supply 3503 and the two or more cascaded DSCs that are implementedbetween the power supply 3403 and the one or more loads 3440 to 3440-n.For example, any one or more of the respective DSCs that are implementedbetween the power supply 3403 and the one or more loads 3440 to 3440-nmay be implemented to provide information to the one or more processingmodules 3530 regarding the regulation of the power signal provided fromit and simultaneously sensed. In addition, the one or more processingmodules 3530 is configured to interface and communicate with the powersupply 3503. In some examples, the power supply 3503 providesinformation regarding the operation of the power supply 3503 to the oneor more processing modules 3530. In certain examples, the one or moreprocessing modules 3530 processes information received from the powersupply 3503 and/or the two or more cascaded DSCs that are implementedbetween the power supply 3403 and the one or more loads 3440 to 3440-n,and processes the information to determine any adaptation that is to beperformed by any of the power supply 3503 and/or the two or morecascaded DSCs that are implemented between the power supply 3403 and theone or more loads 3440 to 3440-n in accordance with multi-staged DSCssignal conditioning of a power signal from the power supply 3503 to theone or more loads 3540 to 3540-n.

Generally speaking, the one or more processing modules 3530 isconfigured to process the information received from the power supply3503 and/or the two or more cascaded DSCs that are implemented betweenthe power supply 3503 and the one or more loads 3540 to 3540-n todetermine any adaptation that is to be performed by any of the powersupply 3503 and/or the two or more cascaded DSCs that are implementedbetween the power supply 3503 and the one or more loads 3540 to 3540-nin accordance with multi-staged DSCs signal conditioning of a powersignal from the power supply 3503 to the one or more loads 3540 to3540-n. Based on the determination by the one or more processing modules3530 to perform such adaptation to ensure an effectively regulated andconditioned power signal, the one or more processing modules 3530directs the control and/or adaptation one or more of the appropriatecomponents.

In addition, note that such multi-stage power supply signal conditioningusing DSCs may be adapted such that different degrees of supply signalconditioning are performed by the DSCs. In some examples, the one ormore DSCs located closer to the power supply 3503 perform power supplysignal conditioning more directed to dealing with any deleteriouseffects related to the power supply 3503 whereas the one or more DSCslocated closer to the one or more loads 3540 to 3540-n perform powersupply signal conditioning more directed to dealing with any deleteriouseffects related to the one or more loads 3540 to 3540-n. From certainperspectives, the one or more processing modules 3530 is configured toperform such supply signal conditioning based on a profile across therespective DSCs 3528, 3528-2, and optionally up to 3528-2.

FIG. 36 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method3600 for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the presentinvention. The method 3600 operates in step 3620 by outputting, from apower supply operably coupled to a first DSC, a power supply signal. Themethod 3600 also operates in step 3630 by outputting, from the firstDSC, the first conditioned power supply signal to a second DSC. Themethod 3600 operates in step 3640 by operating the second DSC to processthe first conditioned power supply signal to generate a secondconditioned power supply signal in accordance with multi-stage powersupply signal conditioning.

In some alternative variant of the method 3600, the method 3600 alsooperates in step 3650 by operating one or more additional DSCs togenerate a final conditioned power supply signal in accordance withmulti-stage power supply signal conditioning. In general, the one ormore additional DSCs, when implemented, are configured to performadditional stages of signal conditioning. The method 3600 operates instep 3660 by outputting, from a final DSC implemented to perform inaccordance with multi-stage power supply signal conditioning, a finalconditioned power supply signal (e.g., the second conditioned powersupply signal when 2 DSCs implemented) to service one or more loads.

FIG. 37A is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 3701 of acascaded DSC and load network in accordance with the present invention.In this diagram, the power supply 3703 provides a power signal to a DSC3728. The DSC 3728 is configured to provide a power signal to one ormore loads 3740. In some examples, the power supply 3703 also provides areference signal to the DSC 3728. Two cascaded DSCs are implemented inthe cascaded DSC and load network, and each DSC may be implemented toprovide a respective power signal to one or more respect loads.

For example, considering the implementation of the cascaded DSC and loadnetwork of this diagram, the DSC 3728 is configured to provide a powersignal to DSC 3728-1 and simultaneously sense the power signal that isprovided to the DSC 3728-1. In addition, the DSC 3728 is configured toprovide and simultaneously sense that power signal that is also providedto one or more loads 3740. The DSC 3728-1 configured to provide andsimultaneously sense a respective power signal to one or more loads3740-1.

In some examples, the power supply 3703 is implemented to provide powerto respective power source circuits within each of the respective DSCswithin the cascaded DSC and load network. Each respective DSC isconfigured to provide a respective power signal to its respective one ormore loads and simultaneously to sense that respective power signal. Assuch, each respective one or more loads that is serviced by a respectiveDSC may be monitored individually by the respective DSCs. For example,the DSC 3728 is configured to monitor the one or more loads 3740. TheDSC 3728-1 is implemented to monitor the one or more loads 3740-1. Assuch, in this implementation of a cascaded DSC and load network,different respective loads may be decoupled from one another such thateach respective one or more loads can be individually monitored by arespective DSC.

FIG. 37B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 3702 of acascaded DSC and load network in accordance with the present invention.This diagram is similar to the prior diagram with at least onedifference being that three or more cascaded DSCs are implementedbetween the power supply 3703 and the respective one or more loads thatare respectively serviced by each of the respective DSCs of the cascadedDSC and load network.

For example, considering the implementation of the cascaded DSC and loadnetwork of this diagram, the DSC 3728-2 is configured to provide a powersignal to DSC 3728-3 and simultaneously sense the power signal that isprovided to the DSC 3728-3. In addition, the DSC 3728-2 is configured toprovide and simultaneously sense that power signal that is also providedto one or more loads 3740. The DSC 3728-3 configured to provide andsimultaneously sense the power signal that is provided to the next DSCin the cascaded DSC and load network of this diagram. In addition, theDSC 3728-3 is configured to provide and simultaneously sense that powersignal that is also provided to one or more loads 3740-1.

This process continues for each of the respective DSCs within thecascaded DSC and load network of this diagram. For example, the last DSCin the chain, DSC 3728-n, where n is a positive integer greater than orequal to three, is configured to provide and simultaneously sense arespective power signal to one or more loads 3740-n.

FIG. 38 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 3800 of acascaded DSC and load network in accordance with the present invention.In this diagram, one or more processing modules 3830 interfaces andcommunicates with the power supply 3803, and one or more of the DSCs ofthe cascaded DSC and load network of this diagram.

The power supply 3803 provides a power signal to a DSC 3828. The DSC3828 is configured to provide a power signal to one or more loads 3840.In some examples, the power supply 3803 also provides a reference signalto the DSC 3828. In other examples, the one or more processing modules3830 is configured to provide the reference signal to the DSC 3828. Twoor more cascaded DSCs are implemented in the cascaded DSC and loadnetwork, and each DSC may be implemented to provide a respective powersignal to one or more respect loads.

For example, considering the implementation of the cascaded DSC and loadnetwork of this diagram, the DSC 3828 is configured to provide a powersignal to DSC 3828-1 and simultaneously sense the power signal that isprovided to the DSC 3828-1. In addition, the DSC 3828 is configured toprovide and simultaneously sense that power signal that is also providedto one or more loads 3840. The DSC 3828-1 is configured to provide apower signal to the next DSC and simultaneously sense the power signalthat is provided to the next DSC. In addition, the DSC 3828-1 isconfigured to provide and simultaneously sense that power signal that isalso provided to one or more loads 3840-1.

The last DSC in the cascaded DSC and load network of this diagram, shownas DSC 3828-n, where n is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2,is configured to provide and simultaneously sense the power signal thatis provided to one or more loads 3840-n.

In some examples, the power supply 3803 is implemented to provide powerto respective power source circuits within each of the respective DSCswithin the cascaded DSC and load network. Each respective DSC isconfigured to provide a respective power signal to its respective one ormore loads and simultaneously to sense that respective power signal. Assuch, each respective one or more loads that is serviced by a respectiveDSC may be monitored individually by the respective DSCs. For example,the DSC 3828 is configured to monitor the one or more loads 3840. TheDSC 3828-1 is implemented to monitor the one or more loads 3840-1. Assuch, in this implementation of a cascaded DSC and load network,different respective loads may be decoupled from one another such thateach respective one or more loads can be individually monitored by arespective DSC.

In an example of operation and implementation, the one or moreprocessing modules 3830 is also configured to communicate and interfacewith the power supply 3803 and/or the DSC 3828, 3828-1, up to 3828-n.The one or more processing modules 3830 is implemented to receiveinformation from the power supply 3803 and/or the DSC 3828, 3828-1, upto 3828-n. The one or more processing modules 3830 is configured toprocess the information received from the power supply 3803 and/or theDSC 3828, 3828-1, up to 3828-n to determine any adaptation that is to beperformed by any of the power supply 3803 and/or the DSC 3828, 3828-1,up to 3828-n in accordance with each of the respective DSCs performingsignal conditioning of respective power signals that are serviced therefrom to the respective one or more loads that are serviced by the DSCsof the cascaded DSC and load network.

In some examples, the one or more processing modules 3830 is alsoconfigured to communicate and interface with the respective loads of thecascaded DSC and load network (e.g., the one or more loads 3840, 3804-1,and/or 3840-n). In an example of operation and implementation, the oneor more processing modules 3830 is configured to receive informationfrom the respective loads of the cascaded DSC and load network. Based onthe determination by the one or more processing modules 3830 to performsuch adaptation to ensure effectively regulated and conditioned powersignals from the respective DSCs to their respective loads within thecascaded DSC and load network, the one or more processing modules 3830directs the control and/or adaptation one or more of the appropriatecomponents.

In addition, in certain examples, the one or more processing modules3830 is configured to monitor each of the respective one or more loadsassociated with the respective DSCs within the cascaded DSC and loadnetwork over time. The one or more processing modules 3030 is configuredto determine the change, if any, of any one or more of the respectiveloads, the power delivered to the loads, the current signals provided toservice the loads, variation in the power signals that service theloads, etc. Based on such monitoring of the respective loads and anysuch characteristics associated with the loads, the one or moreprocessing modules 3830 is configured to identify whether or not any ofthe loads may be approaching failure, nearing failure, have failed, areproblematic, are nearing the end of life of the device, based on anyvariation from prior performance, expected performance, historicalperformance, predicted failure of the device, an age of the device beinggreater than or equal to a maximum age threshold level, and/or anindication that the device is failing, etc.

In certain examples, when the various loads are substantially similar toone another, when change associated with a particular load is differentthan change associated with other of the loads, then that particularload may be identified as being problematic, possibly problematic,failed, nearing failure, nearing its end of life, etc. Generallyspeaking, appropriate monitoring of electrical. Generally speaking,appropriate monitoring of the respective loads within the cascaded DSCand load network over time provides for identification of problemsand/or possible problems associated with the loads within the cascadedDSC and load network.

When such monitoring is performed and when problems and/or possibleproblems are identified, appropriate actions may be performed tomitigate, reduce, and/or eliminate any effects that may adversely affectthe overall operation of the cascaded DSC and load network. In someexamples, the one or more processing modules 3830 is configured toutilize such information in accordance with system management of thecascaded DSC and load network.

FIG. 39 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 3900 of loadprofile monitoring in accordance with system management of a cascadedDSC and load network in accordance with the present invention. In thisdiagram, different respective load profiles with respect to the multipleloads within a cascaded DSC and load network are shown as a function oftime (e.g., at different snapshots of time). For example, the differentrespective loads are identified along the horizontal axis of the graphs,and the amount of current consumed (e.g., the magnitude of the currentbeing consumed) for each respective load is shown along the verticalaxis of the graphs. Considered together, a profile of all of the loadswithin the cascaded DSC and load network may be made at any given timeand variations or changes of the profile as a function of time may alsobe monitored.

Also, note that while this diagram shows and uses the current beingconsumed by the respective loads within the cascaded DSC and loadnetwork as a parameter by which the respective load profiles aregenerated, note that any other electrical characteristics mayalternatively be used. Other examples of electrical characteristicsassociated with the loads of the cascaded DSC and load network mayinclude the power of the power signals being provided respectively tothe loads of the cascaded DSC and load network, voltage of the powersignals being provided respectively to the loads of the cascaded DSC andload network, any change of impedance of the loads of the cascaded DSCand load network, the rate of change of any such electricalcharacteristics of the loads of the cascaded DSC and load network (e.g.,the rate of change of current, voltage, impedance, etc.) and/or anyother parameter, etc.

In an example of operation and implementation, at a time 1, a loadprofile 1 is generated based on the current that is consumed by fourdifferent loads of the cascaded DSC and load network. Considering aparticular example in which the respective loads are similar incharacteristic (e.g., similar in one or more characteristics such asbeing similarly implemented types of devices, such as all being of aparticular type of device, size, rating, impedance, and/or any othercharacteristic, such as all being of approximately the same age, withthe same amount of remaining usable life, etc.), the amount of currentbeing consumed by the different respective loads may be substantially orapproximately similar.

At time 1, load profile 1 shows that the amount of current beingconsumed by the different respective loads is same. However, at asubsequent time, at time 2, a load profile 2 shows some variation in theamount of current consumed by at least some of the loads. Thiscorresponds to a different load profile of the different respectiveloads of the cascaded DSC and load network. The variation, change, ordelta between the load profile 2 and the load profile 1 providesindication of what is happening with respect to the various loads of theof the cascaded DSC and load network. In addition, further considerationmay be made regarding the amount of time that has passed between time 1and time 2. For example, a very fast rate of change in the amount ofcurrent being consumed by the respective loads of the of the cascadedDSC and load network resulting in a vastly different load profile 2 incomparison to load profile 1 (e.g., such as unfavorably comparing to oneanother based upon one or more considerations, such as overall thresholdof load profiles, one or more individual load characteristics, etc.),then identification of one or more problems are possible problems may bemade.

This process of generating load profiles based on the amount of currentbeing consumed by the different respective loads of the of the cascadedDSC and load network may be performed any number of times and based onany number of considerations. For example, at a time n, a load profile nis generated for the different respective loads of the cascaded DSC andload network.

In some examples, the different respective profiles are generated atparticular times, such as after a certain amount or period of time haselapsed (e.g., every 10 seconds, every 1 min., every 10 min., everyhour, every day, every week, etc.). In other examples the differentrespective profiles are generated in response to detecting changes ofone or more of the loads of the of the cascaded DSC and load network.For example, if a change in the amount of current consumed by any one ormore of the loads exceeds a particular threshold or compares unfavorablyto a particular threshold, then a new load profile may be generated. Inanother example if change in the amount of current consumed by aparticular number of the loads exceeds a particular threshold orcompares unfavorably to a particular threshold, then a new load profilemay be generated. Generally speaking, in a particular implementation,any desired event may be the basis by which a new load profile isgenerated. In some particular examples, based upon user initiation, suchas via a user interface of a computing device, a new load profile isgenerated.

Note that the different respective load profiles may be generated by oneor more processing modules implemented to interface with and communicatewith one or more of the power supply, one or more loads, and/or one ormore DSCs within a cascaded DSC and load network. The one or moreprocessing modules is configured to generate a load profile and, as maybe appropriate, to process that load profile with respect to one or moreother load profiles. For example, the one or more processing modules isconfigured to determine whether or not a most recently generated loadprofile compares favorably or unfavorably with one or more other loadprofiles that have been generated previously. Based upon unfavorablecomparison between the most recently generated load profile with thoseone or more other load profiles, the one or more processing modules isconfigured to perform one or more operations. In some examples, the oneor more processing modules is configured to generate and provide anotification to the cascaded DSC and load network, to a user of thecascaded DSC and load network, to a system manager of the cascaded DSCand load network, and/or some other notification operation is performed.

In other examples, the one or more processing modules is configured toperform some operation to address the unfavorable comparison. Forexample, based on an unfavorable comparison of one or more electricalcharacteristics of the one or more loads of the cascaded DSC and loadnetwork to operation within a tolerable range, the one or moreprocessing modules is configured to facilitate different and improvedoperation of the cascaded DSC and load network. For example, if a loadwithin the cascaded DSC and load network is a source of problem andadversely affecting the overall operation of the cascaded DSC and loadnetwork, the one or more processing modules is configured to facilitatethe offloading, disconnection, discontinuing abuse, etc. of thatparticular load. In some examples, the one or more processing modules isconfigured to facilitate one or more different or additional loads tooperate in place of that particular load that is identified as beingproblematic.

Considering this diagram, in some examples, the one or more processingmodules is configured to employ one or more tolerable ranges withrespect to the current being consumed by the different respective loadsof the cascaded DSC and load network. Note that while the tolerablerange shown within this diagram is with respect to current, otherappropriate tolerable ranges may alternatively be used when otherelectrical characteristics associated with the loads are used. In thisdiagram, when the current being consumed by the respective loads iswithin the tolerable range, then the load profile is acceptable. In someexamples, this corresponds to a favorable comparison of the load profilewith an acceptable load profile.

However, when the current being consumed by the respective loads isoutside of the tolerable range, then the load profile is unacceptable.In some examples, this corresponds to an unfavorable comparison of theload profile with the excepted load profile.

Note that different types of favorable and unfavorable comparison may bemade. For example, when the current being consumed by a first particularnumber of loads is within the tolerable range (e.g., consider 3 out of 4of the loads with respect to this particular diagram), then the loadprofile is acceptable. In some examples, this corresponds to a favorablecomparison of the load profile with an acceptable load profile. However,if only a second particular number of loads is within the tolerablerange (e.g., consider 2 out of 4 of the loads with respect to thisparticular diagram), then the load profile is unacceptable. In general,any desired parameters by which favorable and unfavorable comparison maybe determined may be used.

In an example of operation and implementation, considering the load n attime n in this diagram, load 2 and 3 are at or near the edge of thetolerable range, and load 4 is just outside of the tolerable range. Thismay indicate a problem with load 4 and possible problems with loads 2and 3.

FIG. 40 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 4000 of loadmonitoring in accordance with system management of a cascaded DSC andload network in accordance with the present invention. This diagram hassome similarities to the previous diagram with at least one differencebeing that only one particular load is being monitored and tracked asopposed to a number of loads corresponding to different respective loadscorresponding to associated load profiles.

In this diagram, and electrical characteristics associated with aparticular load (e.g., consider load 1) is shown as a function of time(e.g., at different snapshots of time). For example, in the graph ofthis diagram, time is identified along the horizontal axis of thegraphs, and the amount of current consumed (e.g., the magnitude of thecurrent being consumed) by the load is shown along the vertical axis ofthe graphs.

Also, note that while this diagram shows and uses the current beingconsumed by the load within the cascaded DSC and load network as aparameter by which the graph is generated, note that any otherelectrical characteristics may alternatively be used. Other examples ofelectrical characteristics associated with the load of the cascaded DSCand load network may include the voltage of the power signal beingprovided to the load of the cascaded DSC and load network, any change ofimpedance of the load of the cascaded DSC and load network, the rate ofchange of any such electrical characteristics of the load of thecascaded DSC and load network (e.g., the rate of change of current,voltage, impedance, etc.), and/or any other parameter, etc. Consideringonly one particular load time can provided very accurate informationwith respect to any changes associated with one or more electricalcharacteristics of the load in an effort to perform individual loadmonitoring. This diagram performs individual load monitoring based onthe current drawn by the load.

The graph shows, as a function of time, the amount of current beingconsumed by the load based on a power signal being provided from a powersupply to the load. Identification of possible problems may includeidentifying a relatively fast rate of change of the current beingconsumed by the load. This may occur even when the amount of currentbeing consumed remains within a tolerable range. A fast rate of changemay indicate a problem with the load. Identification of a fast rate ofchange (e.g., fast being based on a determination of the amount ofchange of current being consumed as a function of change of time, suchas comparing unfavorably to one or more acceptable rates of change) maybe indicative of a problem. In some examples, this initiates a processof performing monitoring with much closer scrutiny. In other examples,this initiates the process by which adaptation of one or more monitoringparameters is performed. Such operations may be performed by one or moreprocessing modules that is implemented to interface with and communicatewith one or more of the power supply, the load, and/or one or more DSCswithin a cascaded DSC and load network.

FIG. 41A is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method4101 for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the presentinvention. The method 4100 operates in step 4110 by outputting, from apower supply operably coupled to multiple DSCs, a power supply signal.The method 4100 also operates in step 4120 by operating a first DSC toprocess the power supply signal to generate a first conditioned powersupply signal to service a first one or more loads.

The method 4100 operates in step 4130 by operating a second DSC toprocess the power supply signal to generate a second conditioned powersupply signal to service a second one or more loads. In some alternativevariants of the method 4100, the method 4100 also operates in step 4140by operating an nth second DSC to process the power supply signal togenerate an nth conditioned power supply signal to service an nth one ormore loads.

FIG. 41B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method4102 for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the presentinvention. The method 4101 operates in step 4111 by outputting, from apower supply operably coupled to multiple DSCs, a power supply signal.The method 4101 also operates in step 4121 by operating a first DSC toprocess the power supply signal to generate a first conditioned powersupply signal to service a first one or more loads.

The method 4101 operates in step 4131 by operating a second DSC toprocess the first conditioned power supply signal to generate a secondconditioned power supply signal to service a second one or more loads.In some alternative variants of the method 4101, the method 4101 alsooperates in step 4141 by operating an nth second DSC (where n is apositive integer greater than or equal to 3) to process an (n−1)thconditioned power supply signal to generate an nth conditioned powersupply signal to service an nth one or more loads.

FIG. 42 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method4200 for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the presentinvention. The method 4200 also operates in step 4220 by operating oneor more processing modules to monitor loads within a cascaded DSC andload network. The method 4200 operates in step 4230 by determiningwhether at least one load within the cascaded DSC and load network hasat least one electrical characteristic that compares unfavorably with atleast one tolerable characteristic.

Based on a determination that there is no load within the cascaded DSCand load network that has at least one electrical characteristic thatcompares unfavorably with at least one tolerable characteristic, themethod 4200 loops back to step 4210 or alternatively ends. Based on adetermination that there is there is at least one load within thecascaded DSC and load network that has at least one electricalcharacteristic that compares unfavorably with at least one tolerablecharacteristic, the method 4200 also operates in step 4240 by performingone or more preventive or corrective actions to mitigate or eliminateany effect of the at least one load having the unfavorable electricalcharacteristic adversely affecting the cascaded DSC and load network.

FIG. 43 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 4300 of a variablepower supply and load system in accordance with the present invention.In this diagram, a number of power supplies (e.g., two or more powersupplies shown as power supply 4303, power supply 4303-1, and up topower supply 4303-n, where n is a positive integer greater than or equalto 2) is configured to provide power signals to one or more loads 4340.Note that the number of loads within the one or more loads 4340 may bevariable, the impedance of the one or more loads 4340 may be variable,and/or the individual impedance of any load of the one or more loads4340 may be variable. Also, note that the amount of power that isprovided from the different respective power supplies 4303 to 4303-n maybe the same in some instances (e.g., each of the different respectivepower supplies 4303 to 4303-n providing power signals having the samevoltage, V1, and also capable of delivering the same amount of power,P1). However, in other instances, note that the amount of power that isprovided from the different respective power supplies 4303 to 4303-n maybe different (e.g., each of the different respective power supplies 4303to 4303-n providing power signals having the same voltage, V1, yet powersupply 4303 capable of delivering a first amount of power P1, powersupply 4303-1 capable of delivering a second amount of power P2, andpower supply 4303-n capable of delivering an nth amount of power Pn).

Also, a number of DSCs (e.g., two or more DSCs shown as DSC 4328,4328-1, and up to 4328-n, where n is a positive integer greater than orequal to 2) is also configured to perform one or both of monitoring orsensing of the power signals output from the respective power supplies4303 to 4303-n and driving of signals into the signals output from therespective power supplies 4303 to 4303-n. In some examples, note thatonly monitoring or sensing of the power signals output from therespective power supplies 4303 to 4303-n. However, note that any of thevarious examples, embodiments, implementations, etc. described herein bywhich power signals output from power supplies may be processed andmodified to reduce or eliminate any deleterious effects thereof may alsobe performed in combination with such a variable power supply and loadsystem.

One or more processing modules 4330 also interfaces with and is incommunication with the DSCs 4328 to 4328-n and the power supplies 4303to 4303-n. Based on information received from one or more of the DSCs4328 to 4328-n and/or one or more of the power supplies 4303 to 4303-n,the one or more processing modules 4330 is configured to determinewhether any adaptation of the operation of the DSCs 4328 to 4328-nand/or the power supplies 4303 to 4303-n is to be performed.

In an example of operation and implementation, based on a determinationby the one or more processing modules 4330 that the power signals beingoutput from the power supplies 4303 to 4303-n are providingsignificantly more power than is being consumed by the one or more loads4330, such as based on information being provided from sensing of thepower signals being performed by the DSCs 4328 to 4328-n and/orinformation that is provided from the power supplies 4303 to 4303-nthemselves, the one or more processing modules 4330 is configured tofacilitate adaptation of the power being output from one or more of thepower supplies 4303 to 4303-n.

For example, if the amount of power being consumed by the one or moreloads 4340 compares unfavorably to a threshold amount of power (e.g.,the amount of power being consumed is less than a threshold amount ofpower), the one more processing modules 4330 is configured to facilitatereduction of the power being output from one or more of the powersupplies 4303 to 4303-n. Alternatively, if the amount of power beingconsumed by the one or more loads 4340 compares unfavorably to anotherthreshold amount of power (e.g., the amount of power being consumed isgreater than a threshold amount of power), the one more processingmodules 4330 is configured to facilitate increasing of the power beingoutput from one or more of the power supplies 4303 to 4303-n. Inaddition, depending on the type of power supplies 4303 to 4303-n thatare implemented within the variable power supply and load system (e.g.,power supplies capable of delivering the same amount of power each, orpower supplies capable of delivering different amounts of power), theone or more processing modules 4330 is configured to select which one ormore of the power supplies 4303 to 4303-n is appropriate to remain inoperation and continue servicing the one or more loads 4340. When eachof the power supplies 4303 to 4303-n is capable of delivering the sameamount of power each, a straightforward selection of an adequate numberof one or more of the power supplies 4303 to 4303-n may be made toensure acceptable servicing of the one or more loads 4340. However, whenthe power supplies 4303 to 4303-n are capable of delivering differentamounts of power, intelligent selection of which combination of one ormore of the power supplies 4303 to 4303-n may be made by the one or moreprocessing modules 4340 to ensure acceptable servicing of the one ormore loads 4340.

In another example of operation and implementation, based on adetermination by the one or more processing modules 4330 that the powersignals being output from the power supplies 4303 to 4303-n include oneor more deleterious effects (e.g., ripple, voltage sag, harmonicglitches, phase shift, etc.), such as based on information beingprovided from sensing of the power signals being performed by the DSCs4328 to 4328-n and/or information that is provided from the powersupplies 4303 to 4303-n themselves, the one or more processing modules4330 is configured to facilitate appropriate processing of one or moreof the power signals being output from one or more of the power supplies4303 to 4303-n to the one or more loads 4340.

In yet another example of operation and implementation, based on adetermination by the one or more processing modules 4330 that theimpedance of any one or more of the loads 4340 has changed or ischanging, such as based on information being provided from sensing ofthe power signals being performed by the DSCs 4328 to 4328-n and/orinformation that is provided from the power supplies 4303 to 4303-nthemselves, the one or more processing modules 4330 is configured tofacilitate appropriate processing of one or more of the power signalsbeing output from one or more of the power supplies 4303 to 4303-n tothe one or more loads 4340 and/or adaptation of the operation of theDSCs 4328 to 4328-n and/or the power supplies 4303 to 4303-n.

From certain perspectives, this diagram shows one possible example bywhich a variable power supply and load system may be implemented suchthat adaptation of the different respective components therein may befacilitated by one or more processing modules 4330 that interfaces withand is in communication with one or more of those different respectivecomponents. The overall management and operation of the variable powersupply and load system may be performed by the one or more processingmodules 4330, in cooperation with one or more of the other components inthe variable power supply and load system, to facilitate improvedoperation of such a system.

FIG. 44 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 4400 of avariable power supply and load system in accordance with the presentinvention. In this diagram, a number of power supplies (e.g., two ormore power supplies shown as power supply 4403, power supply 4403-1, andup to power supply 4403-n, where n is a positive integer greater than orequal to 2) is configured to provide power signals to one or more loads4440, which are further subdivided into a load 1, load 2, and up to aload n.

Note that the number of loads within the one or more loads 4440 may bevariable, the impedance of the one or more loads 4440 may be variable,and/or the individual impedance of any load of the one or more loads4440 may be variable. Also, note that the amount of power that isprovided from the different respective power supplies 4403 to 4403-n maybe the same in some instances (e.g., each of the different respectivepower supplies 4403 to 4403-n providing power signals having the samevoltage, V1, and also capable of delivering the same amount of power,P1). However, in other instances, note that the amount of power that isprovided from the different respective power supplies 4403 to 4403-n maybe different (e.g., each of the different respective power supplies 4403to 4403-n providing power signals having the same voltage, V1, yet powersupply 4403 capable of delivering a first amount of power P1, powersupply 4403-1 capable of delivering a second amount of power P2, andpower supply 4403-n capable of delivering an nth amount of power Pn).

Also, a number of DSCs (e.g., two or more DSCs shown as DSC 4428,4428-1, and up to 4428-n, where n is a positive integer greater than orequal to 2) is also configured to perform one or both of monitoring orsensing of the power signals output from the respective power supplies4403 to 4403-n and driving of signals into the signals output from therespective power supplies 4403 to 4403-n. In some examples, note thatonly monitoring or sensing of the power signals output from therespective power supplies 4403 to 4403-n. However, note that any of thevarious examples, embodiments, implementations, etc. described herein bywhich power signals output from power supplies may be processed andmodified to reduce or eliminate any deleterious effects thereof may alsobe performed in combination with such a variable power supply and loadsystem.

One or more processing modules 4430 also interfaces with and is incommunication with the DSCs 4428 to 4428-n, the power supplies 4403 to4403-n, and switches 4401, 4401-1, and up to 4401-n that allow selectionof one or more of the load 1, load 2, up to load n within the one ormore loads 4440. Based on information received from one or more of theDSCs 4428 to 4428-n, one or more of the power supplies 4403 to 4403-n,and/or one or more of the switches 4401, 4401-1, and up to 4401-n, theone or more processing modules 4430 is configured to determine whetherany adaptation of the operation of the DSCs 4428 to 4428-n and/or thepower supplies 4403 to 4403-n is to be performed.

In an example of operation and implementation, the one or moreprocessing modules 4430 is configured to perform adaptation of any oneor more of the power supplies 4403 to 4403-n and/or the DSCs 4428 to4428-n similarly as described with respect to the power supplies and/orDSCs of the previous diagram, but also with respect to switching in orswitching out any one or more of the load 1, load 2, up to load n withinthe one or more loads 4440. For example, based upon a determination ofunfavorable operation of one of the particular loads (e.g., load 1operating outside of acceptable range, consuming an unacceptable amountof current, being identified as approaching failure, etc.), then thatparticular load may be switched out of the variable power supply andload system by appropriate modification of the switch 4401 by the one ormore processing modules 4430. Considering an example in which the powersupplies 4403 to 4403-n are unable to provide adequate power to the oneor more loads 4440, then appropriate switching out of one or more of theloads 4440 may be performed based on direction of the one or moreprocessing modules 4430. Then, based upon a change of operationalconditions, such as detection for determination of an improvement in theperformance of the power supplies 4403 to 4403-n and their ability toprovide adequate power to the one or more loads 4440, then appropriateswitching back in of one or more of the loads 4440 may be performedbased on direction of the one or more processing modules 4430.

FIG. 45 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 4500 of avariable power supply and load system in accordance with the presentinvention. In this diagram, a number of power supplies (e.g., two ormore power supplies shown as power supply 4503, power supply 4503-1, andup to power supply 4503-n, where n is a positive integer greater than orequal to 2) is configured to provide power signals to one or more loads4540.

Note that the number of loads within the one or more loads 4540 may bevariable, the impedance of the one or more loads 4540 may be variable,and/or the individual impedance of any load of the one or more loads4540 may be variable. Also, note that the amount of power that isprovided from the different respective power supplies 4503 to 4503-n maybe the same in some instances (e.g., each of the different respectivepower supplies 4503 to 4503-n providing power signals having the samevoltage, V1, and also capable of delivering the same amount of power,P1). However, in other instances, note that the amount of power that isprovided from the different respective power supplies 4503 to 4503-n maybe different (e.g., each of the different respective power supplies 4503to 4503-n providing power signals having the same voltage, V1, yet powersupply 4503 capable of delivering a first amount of power P1, powersupply 4503-1 capable of delivering a second amount of power P2, andpower supply 4503-n capable of delivering an nth amount of power Pn).

Also, a number of DSCs (e.g., two or more DSCs shown as DSC 4528,4528-1, and up to 4528-n, where n is a positive integer greater than orequal to 2) is also configured to perform one or both of monitoring orsensing of the power signals output from the respective power supplies4503 to 4503-n and driving of signals into the signals output from therespective power supplies 4503 to 4503-n. In some examples, note thatonly monitoring or sensing of the power signals output from therespective power supplies 4503 to 4503-n. However, note that any of thevarious examples, embodiments, implementations, etc. described herein bywhich power signals output from power supplies may be processed andmodified to reduce or eliminate any deleterious effects thereof may alsobe performed in combination with such a variable power supply and loadsystem.

One or more processing modules 4530 also interfaces with and is incommunication with the DSCs 4528 to 4528-n, the power supplies 4503 to4503-n, and switches 4501, 4501-1, and up to 4501-n that allow selectionof one or more of power supplies 4503 to 4503-n into or out of thevariable power supply and load system. Based on information receivedfrom one or more of the DSCs 4528 to 4528-n, one or more of the powersupplies 4503 to 4503-n, and/or one or more of the switches 4501,4501-1, and up to 4501-n, the one or more processing modules 4530 isconfigured to determine whether any adaptation of the operation of theDSCs 4528 to 4528-n and/or the power supplies 4503 to 4503-n is to beperformed.

In an example of operation and implementation, the one or moreprocessing modules 4530 is configured to perform adaptation of any oneor more of the power supplies 4503 to 4503-n and/or the DSCs 4528 to4528-n similarly as described with respect to the power supplies and/orDSCs of the previous diagram, but also with respect to switching in orswitching out any one or more of the power supplies 4503 to 4503-n. Forexample, based upon a determination of unfavorable operation of one ofthe particular power supplies (e.g., power supply 4503-1 operatingoutside of acceptable range, unable to deliver a required amount ofcurrent, being identified as approaching failure, etc.), then that powersupply may be switched out of the variable power supply and load systemby appropriate modification of the switch 4501-1 by the one or moreprocessing modules 4530. Considering an example in which fewer than allof the power supplies 4503 to 4503-n are needed to provide adequatepower to the one or more loads 4540, then appropriate switching out ofone or more of the power supplies 4503 to 4503-n may be performed basedon direction of the one or more processing modules 4530. Then, basedupon a change of operational conditions, such as detection fordetermination of additional power from at least one additional powersupply of the power supplies 4503 to 4503-n is needed to provideadequate power to the one or more loads 4540, then appropriate switchingback in of one or more of the power supplies 4503 to 4503-n may beperformed based on direction of the one or more processing modules 4530.

FIG. 46 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 4600 of avariable power supply and load system in accordance with the presentinvention. In this diagram, a number of power supplies (e.g., two ormore power supplies shown as power supply 4603, power supply 4603-1, andup to power supply 4603-n, where n is a positive integer greater than orequal to 2) is configured to provide power signals to one or more loads4640, which are further subdivided into a load 1, load 2, and up to aload n.

Note that the number of loads within the one or more loads 4640 may bevariable, the impedance of the one or more loads 4640 may be variable,and/or the individual impedance of any load of the one or more loads4640 may be variable. Also, note that the amount of power that isprovided from the different respective power supplies 4603 to 4603-n maybe the same in some instances (e.g., each of the different respectivepower supplies 4603 to 4603-n providing power signals having the samevoltage, V1, and also capable of delivering the same amount of power,P1). However, in other instances, note that the amount of power that isprovided from the different respective power supplies 4603 to 4603-n maybe different (e.g., each of the different respective power supplies 4603to 4603-n providing power signals having the same voltage, V1, yet powersupply 4603 capable of delivering a first amount of power P1, powersupply 4603-1 capable of delivering a second amount of power P2, andpower supply 4603-n capable of delivering an nth amount of power Pn).

Also, a number of DSCs (e.g., two or more DSCs shown as DSC 4628,4628-1, and up to 4628-n, where n is a positive integer greater than orequal to 2) is also configured to perform one or both of monitoring orsensing of the power signals output from the respective power supplies4603 to 4603-n and driving of signals into the signals output from therespective power supplies 4603 to 4603-n. In some examples, note thatonly monitoring or sensing of the power signals output from therespective power supplies 4603 to 4603-n. However, note that any of thevarious examples, embodiments, implementations, etc. described herein bywhich power signals output from power supplies may be processed andmodified to reduce or eliminate any deleterious effects thereof may alsobe performed in combination with such a variable power supply and loadsystem.

One or more processing modules 4630 also interfaces with and is incommunication with the DSCs 4628 to 4628-n, the power supplies 4603 to4603-n, switches 4601, 4601-1, and up to 4601-n that allow selection ofone or more of the power supplies 4603 to 4603-n into or out of thevariable power supply and load system, and switches 4602, 4602-1, and upto 4602-n that allow selection of one or more of the load 1, load 2, andup to a load n of the one or more loads 4640. Based on informationreceived from one or more of the DSCs 4628 to 4628-n, one or more of thepower supplies 4603 to 4603-n, one or more of the switches 4601, 4601-1,and up to 4601-n, and/or one or more of the switches 4602, 4602-1, andup to 4602-n, the one or more processing modules 4630 is configured todetermine whether any adaptation of the operation of the DSCs 4628 to4628-n and/or the power supplies 4603 to 4603-n is to be performed.

In an example of operation and implementation, the one or moreprocessing modules 4630 is configured to perform adaptation of any oneor more of the power supplies 4603 to 4603-n and/or the DSCs 4628 to4628-n similarly as described with respect to the power supplies and/orDSCs of previous diagram(s), but also with respect to switching in orswitching out any one or more of the load 1, load 2, up to load n withinthe one or more loads 4640 and also with respect to switching in orswitching out any one or more of the power supplies 4603 to 4603-n. Insome examples, any adaptation of the operation of any of the componentsand/or any switching in or switching out of components within thisexample of a variable power supply and load system may be performedbased on any such considerations as described herein.

With respect to the various examples of variable power supply and loadsystems as described in the previous diagrams, note that any combinationof one or more of these examples may alternatively be implemented. Inaddition, note that, with respect to any respective implementation, theone or more processing modules may be implemented to interface with andcommunicate with any desired subset of the components therein thatinclude fewer than all of the components therein. For example, the oneor more processing modules may be implemented to interface and tocommunicate with only certain components, being fewer than all, of oneor more of the power supplies, the DSCs, the loads, etc. within any suchlimitation. For example, certain of the components may be fixedcomponents that are not capable of adaptation or modification in theiroperation, they may alternatively be implemented without switch relatedcapability such as to be switched in or out, etc., and yet certain otherof the components may be capable of adaptation or modification in theiroperation, may be implemented with switch related capability, etc. Ingeneral, any desired topology of components, some of which may beadaptive, some of which may not, and any implementation of switchrelated capability to those components may be implemented and theoperation thereof improved in accordance with the overall management ofsuch a variable power supply and load system in accordance with variousaspects, embodiments, and/or examples of the invention (and/or theirequivalents).

FIG. 47 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method4700 for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the presentinvention. The method 4700 also operates in step 4710 by operating afirst power supply to output a first power supply signal to service oneor more loads. The method 4700 operates in step 4720 by operating asecond power supply to output a second power supply signal to servicethe one or more loads. In some alternative variants of the method 4700,the method 4700 also operates in step 4730 by operating an nth powersupply to output an nth power supply signal to service the one or moreloads, where n is a positive integer greater than or equal to 3.

The method 4700 operates in step 4740 by operating a first DSC tomonitor/sense the first power supply signal. The method 4700 operates instep 4750 by operating a second DSC to monitor/sense the second powersupply signal. In some alternative variants of the method 4700, themethod 4700 also operates in step 4760 by operating an nth DSC tomonitor/sense the nth power supply signal, again, where n is a positiveinteger greater than or equal to 3. Based on monitoring, the method 4700operates in step 4770 by operating one or more processing modules toadapt operation of one or more of the DSCs, the one or more loads,and/or the one or more power supplies.

FIG. 48 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment 4800 of amulti-voltage power supply with shared regulation loop in accordancewith the present invention. In this diagram, a single control loop isimplemented to ensure that two different output voltages may be providedfrom a singular power supplied to service different respective loadsthat might need or operate at different voltages. For example, manydevices may be implemented such that a first one or more componentsoperates using a first power supply signal having a first voltage and asecond one or more components operates using a second power supplysignal having a second voltage.

In this diagram, the power supply 4803 is implemented to output a firstpower signal having a first voltage, V1. A filtering capacitor, C1, maybe implemented to filter the first power signal as it is servicing afirst one or more loads 4840 to 4840-n, where n is a positive integergreater than or equal to 1. In addition, a first voltage divider(including two impedances shown as two resistances R3 and R4) isimplemented to provide a voltage that is provided to a DSC 4828. The DSC4828 includes a comparator 4815 and a dependent current supply that ispowered by the first power signal having the first voltage, V1, from thepower supply 4803 and controlled by an output signal from the comparator4815. The output from the dependent current supply, as provided by afiltering capacitor, C2, is implemented to provide a second power signalhaving a second voltage, V2, as it is servicing a second one or moreloads 4842 to 4842-m, where m is a positive integer greater than orequal to 1. In addition, a second voltage divider (including twoimpedances shown as two resistances R1 and R2) is implemented to providea third voltage, V3, that is also provided to the DSC 4828.

Within the DSC 4028, the comparator 4815 receives as one of its inputsthe voltage from the first voltage divider that includes the tworesistances R3 and R4 and received as another of its inputs anothervoltage, V3, from the second voltage divider that includes the tworesistances R1 and R2. The output signal from the comparator 4815 withinthe DSC 4828 is implemented to control the current supply that isimplemented to generate the second power signal having the secondvoltage, V2, as it is servicing the second one or more loads 4842 to4842-m and also to provide feedback to the power supply 4803 that isimplemented to output the power signal having the first voltage, V1.

Note that appropriate selection of the impedances of the first voltagedivider and the second voltage divider allows for appropriate generationof the desired second voltage, V2, based on the first voltage, V1, ofthe first power signal that is provided by the power supply 4803. Insome alternative examples, note that the respective impedances of thefirst voltage divider and the second voltage divider may be implementedusing variable impedance is such that, during operation, one or moreprocessing modules may adjust the values of those impedances to generatedifferent respective voltages that may be provided to differentrespective loads. However, in certain examples, note that the respectivevalues of the impedances in the first voltage divider and the secondvoltage divider are selected and fixed so as to provide a fixed firstvoltage, V1, to service a first one or more loads 4840 to 4840-n and afixed second voltage, V2, to service a second one or more loads 4842 to4842-n.

In an example of operation and implementation, considering animplementation in which the same output voltage is provided at thecenter taps of both the first voltage divider (that includes resistancesR3 and R4) and the second voltage divider (that includes resistances R1and R2). In a specific example in which the power supply 4803 outputs apower signal having a voltage of 5 V, then V1=5 V. based on a desire tohave the second voltage, V2, to be 3 V, then the impedances of therespective voltage dividers would be made so as to provide the thirdvoltage, V3, to be 2 V. The impedances of the respective voltagedividers (e.g., selection of R1, R2, R3, and R4) are selected to ensurethat the inputs to the comparator matches to provide the appropriatelydesired V2 based on the value of V1.

FIG. 49 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment 4900 of amulti-voltage power supply with shared regulation loop in accordancewith the present invention. In this diagram, a single control loop isimplemented to ensure that two different output voltages may be providedfrom a singular power supplied to service different respective loadsthat might need or operate at different voltages. For example, manydevices may be implemented such that a first one or more componentsoperates using a first power supply signal having a first voltage and asecond one or more components operates using a second power supplysignal having a second voltage. In addition, some devices may beimplemented such that a first one or more components operates using afirst power supply signal having a first voltage, a second one or morecomponents operates using a second power supply signal having a secondvoltage, and so on until an xth one or more components operates using anxth power supply signal having an xth voltage (e.g., where x is apositive integer greater than or equal to 3).

In this diagram, the power supply 4903 is implemented to output a firstpower signal having a first voltage, V1. A filtering capacitor, C1, maybe implemented to filter the first power signal as it is servicing afirst one or more loads 4940 to 4940-n, where n is a positive integergreater than or equal to 1. In addition, a first voltage divider(including two impedances shown as two resistances R3 and R4) isimplemented to provide a voltage that is provided to a DSC 4928. The DSC4928 includes a comparator 4915 and a dependent current supply that ispowered by the first power signal having the first voltage, V1, from thepower supply 4903 and controlled by an output signal from the comparator4915. The output from the dependent current supply of the DSC 4928, asprovided by a filtering capacitor, C2, is implemented to provide asecond power signal having a second voltage, V2, as it is servicing asecond one or more loads 4942 to 4942-m, where m is a positive integergreater than or equal to 1. In addition, a second voltage divider(including two impedances shown as two resistances R1 and R2) isimplemented to provide a third voltage, V3, that is also provided to theDSC 4928.

Within the DSC 4028, the comparator 4915 receives as one of its inputsthe voltage from the first voltage divider that includes the tworesistances R3 and R4 and received as another of its inputs anothervoltage, V3, from the second voltage divider that includes the tworesistances R1 and R2. The output signal from the comparator 4915 withinthe DSC 4928 is implemented to control the current supply that isimplemented to generate the second power signal having the secondvoltage, V2, as it is servicing the second one or more loads 4942 to4942-m and also to provide feedback to the power supply 4903 that isimplemented to output the power signal having the first voltage, V1.

This diagram has some similarities to the previous diagram with at leastone difference being that at least one additional DSC is appropriatelyimplemented to provide at least one additional power signal having atleast one additional voltage. This diagram shows one additional DSC4928-1 that is implemented to provide another voltage, V4, to servicethird one or more loads 4944 to 4944-o, where o is a positive integergreater than or equal to 1. A comparator 4915 within the DSC 4928-1receives as its inputs the third voltage, V5, as well as the output froma third voltage divider (including two impedances shown as tworesistances R5 and R6) that is implemented to provide a voltage, V5,that is provided to a DSC 4928-1. The DSC 4928-1 also includes adependent current supplied that is powered by the first power signalhaving the first molded, V1, from the power supply 4903 and iscontrolled by the output signal from the comparator 4915. The outputfrom the dependent current supply of the DSC 4928-1, as provided by afiltering capacitor, C2, is implemented to provide another power signalhaving another voltage, V4, as it is servicing the third one or moreloads 4944 to 4944-o.

Note that any additional desired numbers of DSCs may be implemented inthis manner to generate different respective power signals havingdifferent respective voltages to service different respective loads. Aswith the previous diagram, note that appropriate selection of theimpedances of the first voltage divider and the second voltage dividerallows for appropriate generation of the desired second voltage, V2,based on the first voltage, V1, of the first power signal that isprovided by the power supply 4903. In some alternative examples, notethat the respective impedances of the first voltage divider and thesecond voltage divider may be implemented using variable impedance issuch that, during operation, one or more processing modules may adjustthe values of those impedances to generate different respective voltagesthat may be provided to different respective loads. However, in certainexamples, note that the respective values of the impedances in the firstvoltage divider and the second voltage divider are selected and fixed soas to provide a fixed first voltage, V1, to service a first one or moreloads 4940 to 4940-n and a fixed second voltage, V2, to service a secondone or more loads 4942 to 4942-n.

In addition, with respect to this diagram, note that appropriateselection of the impedances of the third voltage divider also allow forappropriate generation of the desired voltage, V4, that is implementedto service the third one or more loads 4944 to 4944-o. In some examples,note that the impedances included within the third voltage divider maybe variable while they may be fixed in other examples.

Generally speaking, a single control loop with one or more appropriatelyimplemented DSCs may be used to generate any desired number of powersignals having different respective voltages to service differentrespective loads in accordance with various aspects, embodiments, and/orexamples of the invention (and/or their equivalents).

FIG. 50 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method5000 for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the presentinvention. The method 5000 operates in step S010 by operating a firstpower supply to output a first power supply signal having a firstvoltage to service a first one or more loads. The method 5000 alsooperates in step S020 by operating a DSC to process the first powersupply signal having the first voltage to generate a second power supplysignal having a second voltage to service a second one or more loads.

The method 5000 operates in step S030 by operating a shared control loopassociated with the DSC to regulate both the first power supply signalhaving the first voltage and the second power supply signal having thesecond voltage. In some alternative variants of the method 5000, themethod 5000 also operates in step S040 by operating another DSC toprocess the second power supply signal having the second voltage togenerate a third power supply signal having a third voltage to service athird one or more loads.

It is noted that terminologies as may be used herein such as bit stream,stream, signal sequence, etc. (or their equivalents) have been usedinterchangeably to describe digital information whose contentcorresponds to any of a number of desired types (e.g., data, video,speech, text, graphics, audio, etc. any of which may generally bereferred to as ‘data’).

As may be used herein, the terms “substantially” and “approximately”provide an industry-accepted tolerance for its corresponding term and/orrelativity between items. For some industries, an industry-acceptedtolerance is less than one percent and, for other industries, theindustry-accepted tolerance is 10 percent or more. Other examples ofindustry-accepted tolerance range from less than one percent to fiftypercent. Industry-accepted tolerances correspond to, but are not limitedto, component values, integrated circuit process variations, temperaturevariations, rise and fall times, thermal noise, dimensions, signalingerrors, dropped packets, temperatures, pressures, material compositions,and/or performance metrics. Within an industry, tolerance variances ofaccepted tolerances may be more or less than a percentage level (e.g.,dimension tolerance of less than +/−1%). Some relativity between itemsmay range from a difference of less than a percentage level to a fewpercent. Other relativity between items may range from a difference of afew percent to magnitude of differences.

As may also be used herein, the term(s) “configured to”, “operablycoupled to”, “coupled to”, and/or “coupling” includes direct couplingbetween items and/or indirect coupling between items via an interveningitem (e.g., an item includes, but is not limited to, a component, anelement, a circuit, and/or a module) where, for an example of indirectcoupling, the intervening item does not modify the information of asignal but may adjust its current level, voltage level, and/or powerlevel. As may further be used herein, inferred coupling (i.e., where oneelement is coupled to another element by inference) includes direct andindirect coupling between two items in the same manner as “coupled to”.

As may even further be used herein, the term “configured to”, “operableto”, “coupled to”, or “operably coupled to” indicates that an itemincludes one or more of power connections, input(s), output(s), etc., toperform, when activated, one or more its corresponding functions and mayfurther include inferred coupling to one or more other items. As maystill further be used herein, the term “associated with”, includesdirect and/or indirect coupling of separate items and/or one item beingembedded within another item.

As may be used herein, the term “compares favorably”, indicates that acomparison between two or more items, signals, etc., provides a desiredrelationship. For example, when the desired relationship is that signal1 has a greater magnitude than signal 2, a favorable comparison may beachieved when the magnitude of signal 1 is greater than that of signal 2or when the magnitude of signal 2 is less than that of signal 1. As maybe used herein, the term “compares unfavorably”, indicates that acomparison between two or more items, signals, etc., fails to providethe desired relationship.

As may be used herein, one or more claims may include, in a specificform of this generic form, the phrase “at least one of a, b, and c” orof this generic form “at least one of a, b, or c”, with more or lesselements than “a”, “b”, and “c”. In either phrasing, the phrases are tobe interpreted identically. In particular, “at least one of a, b, and c”is equivalent to “at least one of a, b, or c” and shall mean a, b,and/or c. As an example, it means: “a” only, “b” only, “c” only, “a” and“b”, “a” and “c”, “b” and “c”, and/or “a”, “b”, and “c”.

As may also be used herein, the terms “processing module”, “processingcircuit”, “processor”, “processing circuitry”, and/or “processing unit”may be a single processing device or a plurality of processing devices.Such a processing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller,digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, fieldprogrammable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logiccircuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device thatmanipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on hard coding of thecircuitry and/or operational instructions. The processing module,module, processing circuit, processing circuitry, and/or processing unitmay be, or further include, memory and/or an integrated memory element,which may be a single memory device, a plurality of memory devices,and/or embedded circuitry of another processing module, module,processing circuit, processing circuitry, and/or processing unit. Such amemory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flashmemory, cache memory, and/or any device that stores digital information.Note that if the processing module, module, processing circuit,processing circuitry, and/or processing unit includes more than oneprocessing device, the processing devices may be centrally located(e.g., directly coupled together via a wired and/or wireless busstructure) or may be distributedly located (e.g., cloud computing viaindirect coupling via a local area network and/or a wide area network).Further note that if the processing module, module, processing circuit,processing circuitry and/or processing unit implements one or more ofits functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry,and/or logic circuitry, the memory and/or memory element storing thecorresponding operational instructions may be embedded within, orexternal to, the circuitry comprising the state machine, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry. Still further notethat, the memory element may store, and the processing module, module,processing circuit, processing circuitry and/or processing unitexecutes, hard coded and/or operational instructions corresponding to atleast some of the steps and/or functions illustrated in one or more ofthe Figures. Such a memory device or memory element can be included inan article of manufacture.

One or more embodiments have been described above with the aid of methodsteps illustrating the performance of specified functions andrelationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these functionalbuilding blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined hereinfor convenience of description. Alternate boundaries and sequences canbe defined so long as the specified functions and relationships areappropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries or sequences arethus within the scope and spirit of the claims. Further, the boundariesof these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined forconvenience of description. Alternate boundaries could be defined aslong as the certain significant functions are appropriately performed.Similarly, flow diagram blocks may also have been arbitrarily definedherein to illustrate certain significant functionality.

To the extent used, the flow diagram block boundaries and sequence couldhave been defined otherwise and still perform the certain significantfunctionality. Such alternate definitions of both functional buildingblocks and flow diagram blocks and sequences are thus within the scopeand spirit of the claims. One of average skill in the art will alsorecognize that the functional building blocks, and other illustrativeblocks, modules and components herein, can be implemented as illustratedor by discrete components, application specific integrated circuits,processors executing appropriate software and the like or anycombination thereof.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue”indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that thesteps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used inconjunction with one or more other routines. In addition, a flow diagrammay include an “end” and/or “continue” indication. The “end” and/or“continue” indications reflect that the steps presented can end asdescribed and shown or optionally be incorporated in or otherwise usedin conjunction with one or more other routines. In this context, “start”indicates the beginning of the first step presented and may be precededby other activities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue”indication reflects that the steps presented may be performed multipletimes and/or may be succeeded by other activities not specificallyshown. Further, while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering ofsteps, other orderings are likewise possible provided that theprinciples of causality are maintained.

The one or more embodiments are used herein to illustrate one or moreaspects, one or more features, one or more concepts, and/or one or moreexamples. A physical embodiment of an apparatus, an article ofmanufacture, a machine, and/or of a process may include one or more ofthe aspects, features, concepts, examples, etc. described with referenceto one or more of the embodiments discussed herein. Further, from figureto figure, the embodiments may incorporate the same or similarly namedfunctions, steps, modules, etc. that may use the same or differentreference numbers and, as such, the functions, steps, modules, etc. maybe the same or similar functions, steps, modules, etc. or differentones.

Unless specifically stated to the contra, signals to, from, and/orbetween elements in a figure of any of the figures presented herein maybe analog or digital, continuous time or discrete time, and single-endedor differential. For instance, if a signal path is shown as asingle-ended path, it also represents a differential signal path.Similarly, if a signal path is shown as a differential path, it alsorepresents a single-ended signal path. While one or more particulararchitectures are described herein, other architectures can likewise beimplemented that use one or more data buses not expressly shown, directconnectivity between elements, and/or indirect coupling between otherelements as recognized by one of average skill in the art.

The term “module” is used in the description of one or more of theembodiments. A module implements one or more functions via a device suchas a processor or other processing device or other hardware that mayinclude or operate in association with a memory that stores operationalinstructions. A module may operate independently and/or in conjunctionwith software and/or firmware. As also used herein, a module may containone or more sub-modules, each of which may be one or more modules.

As may further be used herein, a computer readable memory includes oneor more memory elements. A memory element may be a separate memorydevice, multiple memory devices, or a set of memory locations within amemory device. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, randomaccess memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory,dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device thatstores digital information. The memory device may be in a form asolid-state memory, a hard drive memory, cloud memory, thumb drive,server memory, computing device memory, and/or other physical medium forstoring digital information.

While particular combinations of various functions and features of theone or more embodiments have been expressly described herein, othercombinations of these features and functions are likewise possible. Thepresent disclosure is not limited by the particular examples disclosedherein and expressly incorporates these other combinations.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-stage power supply signal conditioningsystem, the system comprising: a power supply operably coupled to afirst drive-sense circuit (DSC), wherein, when enabled, the power supplyconfigured to provide a first power signal to the first DSC; the firstDSC operably coupled to the power supply, wherein, when enabled based onthe first power signal, the first DSC configured to: receive the firstpower signal from the power supply; generate a first conditioned powersignal based on a first reference signal; provide the first conditionedpower signal via a first single line that couples to a second DSC andsimultaneously sense change of the first conditioned power signal viathe first single line based on a first electrical characteristic of thesecond DSC; and generate a first digital signal that is based on thefirst electrical characteristic of the second DSC; and the second DSCoperably coupled to the first DSC, wherein, when enabled based on thefirst conditioned power signal, the second DSC configured to: receivethe first conditioned power signal from the first DSC via the firstsingle line; generate a second conditioned power signal based on asecond reference signal; provide the second conditioned power signal viaa second single line that couples to one or more loads andsimultaneously sense change of the second conditioned power signal viathe second single line based on a second electrical characteristic ofthe one or more loads; and generate a second digital signal that isbased on the second electrical characteristic of the one or more loads.2. The system of claim 1, wherein, when enabled, the power supplyconfigured to: generate and provide the first reference signal to thefirst DSC; and generate and provide the second reference signal to thesecond DSC.
 3. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a memory thatstores operational instructions; and one or more processing modulesoperably coupled to the memory, the power supply, the first DSC, and thesecond DSC, wherein, when enabled, the processing module configured toexecute the operational instructions to: generate and provide the firstreference signal to the first DSC; and generate and provide the secondreference signal to the second DSC.
 4. The system of claim 1 furthercomprising: a memory that stores operational instructions; and one ormore processing modules operably coupled to the memory, the powersupply, the first DSC, and the second DSC, wherein, when enabled, theprocessing module configured to execute the operational instructions to:receive, from the power supply, information regarding operation of thepower supply; process the information regarding operation of the powersupply to determine whether to perform adaptation of operation of atleast one of the power supply, the first DSC, or the second DSC; andbased on a determination to perform the adaptation of operation of theat least one of the power supply, the first DSC, or the second DSC,facilitate adaptation of operation of the power supply, the first DSC,or the second DSC in accordance with regulation and conditioning of atleast one of the first conditioned power signal or the secondconditioned power signal.
 5. The system of claim 1 further comprising: amemory that stores operational instructions; and one or more processingmodules operably coupled to the memory, the power supply, the first DSC,and the second DSC, wherein, when enabled, the processing moduleconfigured to execute the operational instructions to: receive, from thepower supply, first information regarding operation of the power supply;receive, from the first DSC, second information regarding operation ofthe first DSC; receive, from the second DSC, third information regardingoperation of the second DSC; process the first information regardingoperation of the power supply, the second information regardingoperation of the first DSC, and the third information regardingoperation of the second DSC to determine whether to perform adaptationof operation of at least one of the power supply, the first DSC, or thesecond DSC; and based on a determination to perform the adaptation ofoperation of the at least one of the power supply, the first DSC, or thesecond DSC, facilitate adaptation of operation of the at least one ofthe power supply, the first DSC, or the second DSC in accordance withregulation and conditioning of at least one of the first conditionedpower signal or the second conditioned power signal.
 6. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising: a memory that stores operationalinstructions; and one or more processing modules operably coupled to thememory, the first DSC, and the second DSC, wherein, when enabled, theprocessing module configured to execute the operational instructions to:receive and process the first digital signal to determine the firstelectrical characteristic of the second DSC; and receive and process thesecond digital signal to determine the second electrical characteristicof the one or more loads.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein, whenenabled, the one or more processing modules configured to execute theoperational instructions to: determine whether the first electricalcharacteristic of the second DSC compares unfavorably with a firsttolerable characteristic; and determine whether the second electricalcharacteristic of the one or more loads compares unfavorably with asecond tolerable characteristic.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein, whenenabled, the one or more processing modules configured to execute theoperational instructions to: based on a determination that at least oneof the first electrical characteristic of the second DSC comparesunfavorably with the first tolerable characteristic or the secondelectrical characteristic of the one or more loads compares unfavorablywith the second tolerable characteristic, facilitate adaptation ofoperation of the at least one of the first DSC or the second DSC inaccordance with regulation and conditioning of at least one of the firstconditioned power signal or the second conditioned power signal.
 9. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the first DSC further comprises: a powersource circuit operably coupled via the first single line to the secondDSC, wherein, when enabled, the power source circuit is configured toprovide the first conditioned power signal as an analog signal via thefirst single line that couples to the second DSC, wherein the analogsignal includes at least one of a DC (direct current) component or anoscillating component; and a power signal change detection circuitoperably coupled to the power source circuit, wherein, when enabled, thepower signal change detection circuit is configured to: detect thechange of the first conditioned power signal via the first single linebased on the first electrical characteristic of the second DSC; andgenerate the first digital signal that is based on the first electricalcharacteristic of the second DSC.
 10. The system of claim 9 furthercomprising: the power source circuit including a power source to sourceat least one of a voltage or a current via the first single line thatcouples to the second DSC; and the power signal change detection circuitincluding: a power source reference circuit configured to provide atleast one of a voltage reference or a current reference; and acomparator configured to compare the at least one of the voltage and thecurrent provided via the first single line to the at least one of thevoltage reference and the current reference to produce the analogsignal.
 11. A multi-stage power supply signal conditioning system, thesystem comprising: a power supply operably coupled to a firstdrive-sense circuit (DSC), wherein, when enabled, the power supplyconfigured to provide a first power signal to the first DSC; the firstDSC operably coupled to the power supply, wherein, when enabled based onthe first power signal, the first DSC configured to: receive the firstpower signal from the power supply; generate a first conditioned powersignal based on a first reference signal; provide the first conditionedpower signal via a first single line that couples to a second DSC andsimultaneously sense change of the first conditioned power signal viathe first single line based on a first electrical characteristic of thesecond DSC; and generate a first digital signal that is based on thefirst electrical characteristic of the second DSC; the second DSCoperably coupled to the first DSC, wherein, when enabled based on thefirst conditioned power signal, the second DSC configured to: receivethe first conditioned power signal from the first DSC via the firstsingle line; generate a second conditioned power signal based on asecond reference signal; provide the second conditioned power signal viaa second single line that couples to one or more loads andsimultaneously sense change of the second conditioned power signal viathe second single line based on a second electrical characteristic ofthe one or more loads; and generate a second digital signal that isbased on the second electrical characteristic of the one or more loads;a memory that stores operational instructions; and one or moreprocessing modules operably coupled to the memory, the power supply, thefirst DSC, and the second DSC, wherein, when enabled, the processingmodule configured to execute the operational instructions to: generateand provide the first reference signal to the first DSC; generate andprovide the second reference signal to the second DSC; receive, from thepower supply, information regarding operation of the power supply;process the information regarding operation of the power supply todetermine whether to perform adaptation of operation of at least one ofthe power supply, the first DSC, or the second DSC; and based on adetermination to perform the adaptation of operation of the at least oneof the power supply, the first DSC, or the second DSC, facilitateadaptation of operation of the power supply, the first DSC, or thesecond DSC in accordance with regulation and conditioning of at leastone of the first conditioned power signal or the second conditionedpower signal.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein, when enabled, the oneor more processing modules configured to execute the operationalinstructions to: receive and process the first digital signal todetermine the first electrical characteristic of the second DSC; andreceive and process the second digital signal to determine the secondelectrical characteristic of the one or more loads.
 13. The system ofclaim 12, wherein, when enabled, the one or more processing modulesconfigured to execute the operational instructions to: determine whetherthe first electrical characteristic of the second DSC comparesunfavorably with a first tolerable characteristic; and determine whetherthe second electrical characteristic of the one or more loads comparesunfavorably with a second tolerable characteristic.
 14. The system ofclaim 13, wherein, when enabled, the one or more processing modulesconfigured to execute the operational instructions to: based on adetermination that at least one of the first electrical characteristicof the second DSC compares unfavorably with the first tolerablecharacteristic or the second electrical characteristic of the one ormore loads compares unfavorably with the second tolerablecharacteristic, facilitate adaptation of operation of the at least oneof the first DSC or the second DSC in accordance with regulation andconditioning of at least one of the first conditioned power signal orthe second conditioned power signal.
 15. The system of claim 11, whereinthe first DSC further comprises: a power source circuit operably coupledvia the first single line to the second DSC, wherein, when enabled, thepower source circuit is configured to provide the first conditionedpower signal as an analog signal via the first single line that couplesto the second DSC, wherein the analog signal includes at least one of aDC (direct current) component or an oscillating component; and a powersignal change detection circuit operably coupled to the power sourcecircuit, wherein, when enabled, the power signal change detectioncircuit is configured to: detect the change of the first conditionedpower signal via the first single line based on the first electricalcharacteristic of the second DSC; and generate the first digital signalthat is based on the first electrical characteristic of the second DSC.16. The system of claim 15 further comprising: the power source circuitincluding a power source to source at least one of a voltage or acurrent via the first single line that couples to the second DSC; andthe power signal change detection circuit including: a power sourcereference circuit configured to provide at least one of a voltagereference or a current reference; and a comparator configured to comparethe at least one of the voltage and the current provided via the firstsingle line to the at least one of the voltage reference and the currentreference to produce the analog signal.
 17. A multi-stage power supplysignal conditioning system, the system comprising: a power supplyoperably coupled to a first drive-sense circuit (DSC), wherein, whenenabled, the power supply configured to provide: a first power signal tothe first DSC; generate and provide a first reference signal to thefirst DSC; and generate and provide a second reference signal to asecond DSC; the first DSC operably coupled to the power supply, wherein,when enabled based on the first power signal, the first DSC configuredto: receive the first power signal from the power supply; generate afirst conditioned power signal based on a first reference signal;provide the first conditioned power signal via a first single line thatcouples to a second DSC and simultaneously sense change of the firstconditioned power signal via the first single line based on a firstelectrical characteristic of the second DSC; and generate a firstdigital signal that is based on the first electrical characteristic ofthe second DSC; the second DSC operably coupled to the power supply andthe first DSC, wherein, when enabled based on the first conditionedpower signal, the second DSC configured to: receive the firstconditioned power signal from the first DSC via the first single line;generate a second conditioned power signal based on a second referencesignal; provide the second conditioned power signal via a second singleline that couples to one or more loads and simultaneously sense changeof the second conditioned power signal via the second single line basedon a second electrical characteristic of the one or more loads; andgenerate a second digital signal that is based on the second electricalcharacteristic of the one or more loads; a memory that storesoperational instructions; and one or more processing modules operablycoupled to the memory, the power supply, the first DSC, and the secondDSC, wherein, when enabled, the processing module configured to executethe operational instructions to: receive, from the power supply,information regarding operation of the power supply; process theinformation regarding operation of the power supply to determine whetherto perform adaptation of operation of at least one of the power supply,the first DSC, or the second DSC; and based on a determination toperform the adaptation of operation of the at least one of the powersupply, the first DSC, or the second DSC, facilitate adaptation ofoperation of the power supply, the first DSC, or the second DSC inaccordance with regulation and conditioning of at least one of the firstconditioned power signal or the second conditioned power signal.
 18. Thesystem of claim 17, wherein, when enabled, the one or more processingmodules configured to execute the operational instructions to: receiveand process the first digital signal to determine the first electricalcharacteristic of the second DSC; and receive and process the seconddigital signal to determine the second electrical characteristic of theone or more loads.
 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the first DSCfurther comprises: a power source circuit operably coupled via the firstsingle line to the second DSC, wherein, when enabled, the power sourcecircuit is configured to provide the first conditioned power signal asan analog signal via the first single line that couples to the secondDSC, wherein the analog signal includes at least one of a DC (directcurrent) component or an oscillating component; and a power signalchange detection circuit operably coupled to the power source circuit,wherein, when enabled, the power signal change detection circuit isconfigured to: detect the change of the first conditioned power signalvia the first single line based on the first electrical characteristicof the second DSC; and generate the first digital signal that is basedon the first electrical characteristic of the second DSC.
 20. The systemof claim 19 further comprising: the power source circuit including apower source to source at least one of a voltage or a current via thefirst single line that couples to the second DSC; and the power signalchange detection circuit including: a power source reference circuitconfigured to provide at least one of a voltage reference or a currentreference; and a comparator configured to compare the at least one ofthe voltage and the current provided via the first single line to the atleast one of the voltage reference and the current reference to producethe analog signal.